iTunes Radio is one of the staple features in iOS 7. The Pandora-like music streaming service is integrated directly into the stock Music app. Apple’s Eddy Cue demoed it for the first time yesterday, and iOS 7 beta testers can try it out now.
When iTunes Radio launches publicly alongside iOS 7 later this fall, it will not be available outside of the U.S., notes Bloomberg. This likely has to do with the fact that Apple has to setup licensing agreements with record labels in each country ahead of time.
During WWDC yesterday, Cue did mention that other countries will be added “over time,” but an international rollout schedule has not been given.
Some international developers testing the iOS 7 beta have access to iTunes Radio right now (our own Killian Bell has access in Britain), but that’s likely due to the fact that the software is not yet ready for the public.
Source: Bloomberg
Alex Heath is a journalist who works for Tech Insider. He’s the former co-host of The CultCast. He has been quoted by the likes of the BBC, KRON 4 News, and books like “ICONIC: A Photographic Tribute to Apple Innovation.” He lives in Lexington, Kentucky. If you want to pitch a story, share a tip, or just get in touch, additional contact information is available on his personal site. Follow him on Twitter.
3 responses to “iTunes Radio Will Only Be Available In The U.S. At Launch”
You can get iTunes Radio to work anywhere as long as you have a US iTunes account.
I’m logged in with US acc and iTunes Radio just popped up. In the middle of Europe. And it also works for my colleagues. I doubt they’ll be able to filter it if you use an US account (unless they’ll want a card attached to it)
Shame.. But none speak about terrible contact list. It’s so ugly… Have to find another app… For example this https://www.facebook.com/CirclesAPP
Any other suggestions?