According to a new report Apple’s licensing deals with record labels allow the company to launch up to five additional radio stations similar to Beats 1, this would allow the company to launch radio stations focusing on specific genres or geographical locations. It could staff those radio stations with DJs much more popular in certain regions. It could do all of that without having to renegotiate terms with record labels.
Citing a source with knowledge of the company’s deals The Verge reports that Apple can launch up to five additional internet radio stations that are similar to Beats 1.
This means that Apple can launch a Beats 2 station aimed primarily at audiences in Asia and Australia, effectively allowing the company to provide 24 hour live radio since Beats 1 is live only 12 hours a day.
A potential expansion of Beats-branded radio stations does seem likely since Apple has registered domains like beats2.com.cn, beats4.com.ru and beats2.hk in various countries across the globe.
The report suggests that record labels may have given Apple permission to launch up to five additional stations because it’s already believed to be paying more for per-play on Beats 1 than Pandora. Apple continues to promote Beats 1 through new releases and exclusives, for example Dr. Dre’s first new album in over a decade is exclusive to Apple Music and Beats 1.
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