Apple is planning to unveil its big redesign and rebranding of Beats Music this summer at WWDC, but according to a new report citing industry insiders, Jimmy Iovine and Eddy Cue are having a hard time finalizing deals with major labels.
The June launch of Apple’s new subscription service is coming down to the wire, reports Billboard, whose sources say Apple does not have the necessary licensing deals a month before the Apple Worldwide Developer Conference.
Getting the service launched by June could still be attainable according to one source who notes that Apple has pulled off last-minute licensing deals in the past.
“If any company can pull it off, they can,” the source told Billboard, adding that “labels are more likely to play ball with them” because of Apple’s reputation for generating revenue. Not everyone is convinced Apple will be able to pull it off those, with at least one source saying there’s no chance for a June release.
Apple’s overhaul of the Beats Music service has been in the works since Apple acquired Beats last year. Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre were presented as Apple employees last year at WWDC. Launching Apple’s new music service would be a great encore if they can pull it off. Early rumors have suggested Apple’s subscription service will cost $9.99 a month, and that a 7-day trial period will be offered instead of freemium version.
Source: Billboard
