Apple Music, as many expected, was introduced at the company's Worldwide Developer Conference this week. After years of rumors and the multi-billion-dollar acquisition of Beats, Apple is finally ready to jump into the streaming music game.
The introduction featured Apple exec Eddy Cue dancing, Beats co-founder Jimmy Iovine uttering Apple's favorite word, and Drake sporting a vintage Apple jacket he will probably never wear again.
That trio announced that Apple Music will launch on June 30 for iOS users and in the fall for Apple TV and (shock!) Android users. The gives listeners some time to consider whether Apple Music is worth $9.99 per month. Here are some pros and cons to help you get started.
Pros
Android App
Just as Google Play Music is available on iOS, Android users can take advantage of Apple Music. It will be available in the fall, but is limited in scope (see Cons).
Music Uploads
If you're a musician looking to get noticed, Apple will accept submissions for inclusion on Apple Music. No word yet on how strict it will be, but if its App Store guidelines are any indication, you're going to have to submit more than a kazoo solo from your dorm room. 9to5Mac has a rundown on how to get started.
Free Trial
A three-month free trial will give you plenty of time to decide whether or not you like Apple Music and to see how it compares to other services.
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Cons
Doesn't Include Every Track in iTunes
Apple Music gives you access to 30 million songs, but that's the same number as Spotify. It's not exactly the entire iTunes catalog; don't expect to stream The Beatles, for example.
No Such Thing As Free
Unlike Spotify, Apple Music does not have a free, ad-supported option. There is Beats 1, a selection of curated radio stations that is like Pandora but with DJs.
Not a Deal
For $10 a month you get…pretty much the exact same thing Spotify, Google Play, and Tidal offer. Apple's family plan is $14.99 a month for up to six people. Spotify is currently $14.99 for two users per month, $19.99 for three, $24.99 for four, and $29.99 for five. But the service is currently offering 50 percent off family pricing and is rumored to be about to reduce its rates to match Apple.
Connect
Apple didn't have much success with Ping, its first music-related social effort, but it's trying again With Connect. It's meant to let artists share with fans, but they can really already do that on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and a host of other services.
Limited Devices
You'll be able to access Apple Music on iOS, Apple Watch, Macs, PCs, and Android devices. Spotify covers all those platforms and also Roku, Amazon Fire devices, a range of speakers and stereos, and PlayStation 3 and 4.
Separate But Not Equal
The Android version works only for those who have a subscription. On iOS, Beats 1 Radio, Apple Music radio stations, and Connect are free.