Apple admits there’s ‘homework to be done’ with Apple Music

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Tired of Apple Music's playlists? Try something even more indie.
Apple Music needs plenty of revision if it's going to pass finals.
Photo: Jim Merithew/Cult of Mac

In a rare showing, Apple has acknowledged that there is still “a bit of homework to be done” when it comes to improving one of its products — in this case, Apple Music.

The company’s streaming music service has seen mixed success since its launch back in June, with reports of falling listenership and even a public slating from a well-known pro-Apple pundit.

Recently Apple Music’s senior director upped and left the company, with no word on whether it was his or Apple’s decision to step down.

In an interview with the Guardian newspaper, iTunes International VP Oliver Shusser says that:

“There’s a lot of work going into making the product better. Our focus is on editorial and playlists, and obviously we have teams all around the world working on that, but we’re also adding features and cleaning up certain things.”

With few exceptions, it’s an admission you likely wouldn’t have seen under Steve Jobs — and rarely see under Tim Cook.

“Apple Music Connect is growing big-time with more and more artists connecting to their fans, but we still have a bit of homework to be done for the rest of the year,” Shusser continued.

In terms of criticism about usability, Shusser says that Apple has gotten lots of user suggestions regarding Apple Music. “Remember, this was a very big launch in 110 markets instantly, so we get a ton of feedback. We’re obviously trying to make it better every day.”

He also says that Apple Music will launch for Android devices and Sonos-connected hi-fis this fall. “We still have some work to do there, but that’s coming,” he said.

Finally, Shusser notes that Apple Music is being viewed as a long-haul project inside Apple. “That’s more our priority than checking every hour the amount of people who have signed up. We have more of a long-term perspective on this,” he noted.

Are you currently using Apple Music? If so, what have been your experiences so far? Leave your comments in the box below.

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