Apple will distribute its music radio programs for free through the platform of the global audio streaming company "TuneIn."
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 27th (local time) that Apple has partnered with TuneIn to launch six radio programs featuring songs selected by human DJs through TuneIn's platform.
TuneIn is a digital radio service that provides over 100,000 radio broadcast channels worldwide through its own app, website, smart speakers, and connected cars, offering music, sports, news, and podcasts. It has about 75 million monthly active users.
Reuters noted that this is the first time Apple has offered its radio channels outside of the Apple Music app. Apple operates six radio programs, including "Apple Music Hits," "Apple Music Rock," and "Apple Music Hip-Hop."
Reports say that Apple has devised this strategy to expand its music services. The goal is to convert listeners of the free radio broadcasts into paid subscribers.
Apple is increasingly falling behind its competitor Spotify in the audio streaming market. According to entertainment data provider MIDiA Research, Apple's market share in the U.S. music subscription service market dropped from 30% in 2020 to 25% by the end of last year. Meanwhile, Spotify increased its share from 31% to 37% during the same period.