While some may see the launch of Apple’s first Android app as a welcome olive branch, Apple Music’s debut on the Google OS has a serious catch.
That’s because it turns out Android users will need to pay a monthly charge if they want to use the music streaming service.
When Apple Music launches at the end of June, there will be two tiers; a limited free version, and a full-fat $10 per month paid option.
Android users won’t be given access to this free tier however, which means they’ll be forced to pay to enjoy Apple Music.
But what exactly are Android users missing out on? The free version has a few respectable offerings, including Apple music radio stations with limited skipping, and access to artist profiles on Connect.
Perhaps the most important feature is the Beats 1 radio station, which won’t be accessible to Android users without first signing up to a subscription.
However, Android users are still eligible for three free months of premium service subscription, so they can at least try before they buy.
Related: Apple Music vs Spotify
Apple announced Apple Music earlier this week at the company’s annual World Wide Developer Conference.
The paid service looks to take on music streaming rivals like Tidal, Deezer, and market leader Spotify.
Apple users will be able to access Apple Music starting at the end of this month, while Android users will need to wait until the autumn launch.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.