iTunes Radio has been a free service ever since it was launched back in 2013, Apple has announced that it’s now making a change to how this service is provided to users. It confirmed through an email sent to Apple Music subscribers that the free iTunes Radio service will now be a subscription-only offering for subscribers.
Instead of charging for iTunes Radio when the service was first launched in 2013 Apple decided to include ad-supported channels, it was a combination that worked well, users got access to online radio stations with great music without having to pay any money for it.
That’s not how it’s going to be any longer. iTunes Radio is being rolled into Apple Music, which happens to be a subscription-only service. Apple’s email points out that this change makes Beats 1 “the premier free broadcast” that includes shows from the likes of DJ Zane Lowe as well as programs hosted by some of the biggest names in music.
Apple Music subscribers will be able to listen to curated radio stations starting January 29th, the stations will cover a range of genres, will not feature any ads and will provide unlimited skips. Radio will now also be included in three month free trial of Apple Music.
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