Apple Ending Ad-Supported iTunes Radio Stations at End of January

[Ted13]

I use iTunes Radio all of the time. Very disappointed to hear about this, as Beats 1 just doesn't seem to play the sort of music I'm interested in hearing.

Also, one of the main reasons I subscribed to iTunes Match was so I could listen to iTunes Radio ad-free. I don't consider that a "perk," but rather an integral part of the Match service.

I was going to do that back when iTunes Match/iTunes Radio was released, but couldn't because I had more than 25K songs in iTunes, and I simply would not listen to iTunes Radio (or any other radio) with ads. Now that I am (a very happy) Apple Music member I wouldn't mind trying iTunes Radio again, add free - but I am not sure I understand what is happening: are they eliminating the add free version of iTunes Radio as well or will its existing continue for Apple Music members?

Lastly, to all the Beats 1 haters - of course we each have our own tastes: but I have found the Julie Adenuga, St. Vincent's Mixed Tapes and Elton John's Rocket Hour to be pretty great shows.

 

[djlythium]

I use iTunes Radio all of the time. Very disappointed to hear about this, as Beats 1 just doesn't seem to play the sort of music I'm interested in hearing.

Also, one of the main reasons I subscribed to iTunes Match was so I could listen to iTunes Radio ad-free. I don't consider that a "perk," but rather an integral part of the Match service.

^^^This! Bad, Apple! Bad! I've never used any other station besides those I've created and customized because they suck, including Beats 1 (IMHO).

Apple, we know you're listening. DON'T DO IT!

 

[rdlink]

Something tells me most people in this forum just complain about every single possible thing they can and think every single thing is just the worst.

This place as become completely overrun by trolls.

I am not one of the trolls. In fact if you look at my posts you will find that I am pretty much on Apple's side with most of their decisions, because I understand the reasoning behind them. But this one objectively sucks.

Like most of the people here I have absolutely no desire to listen to Beats 1. Even if there is music that's not rap. Reason: I don't want to listen to the DJs. I like iTunes Radio because I could get customized and curated music without having to listen to DJs talk.

I subscribed to iTunes Match a long time ago, and one of the reasons I did it was to get iTunes Radio ad free. It was an included part of the service, long before Apple Music existed. This wasn't some bonus bolt onto iTunes Match that we got when Apple Music came along. In fact, Apple Music degraded the experience, because in order to have my radio stations continue to show up on my iPhone and Apple TV I have to play them before they get pushed off of the Recently Listened list.

I've had iTunes Radio as part of my Match subscription since 2012. That's 4 years.

This is pretty much a D*** move by Apple. There is absolutely no reason why they can't leave the service available for Match subscribers. I say that as someone who isn't affected by the change, since I also have Apple Music (Family plan with three users makes it economical). Very poor form, Apple.
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This is a pretty bad move for those who have iTunes Match. It was a nice bonus to be able to listen to radio stations with no ads. Now theres no bonus. Those using iTunes Match might as well use Google music since it's free.

It wasn't a bonus. It was part of the Match subscription. Now they've taken it away. In effect they've changed the terms of iTunes Match.

 

[djlythium]

Just came to post this:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/apple-music.html

Perhaps we can use this link to express our thoughts directly to Apple, Inc. Democracy FTW!

 

[APlotdevice]

**** you Apple! I have zero interest in your Beat 1 garbage.

 

[rdlink]

Just came to post this:

http://www.apple.com/feedback/apple-music.html

Perhaps we can use this link to express our thoughts directly to Apple, Inc. Democracy FTW!

Thanks. I was just getting ready to post the same thing. I provided negative feedback to them. Please, everyone who is unhappy with this move take the time to click the link and leave your feedback.

 

[mdridwan47]

Good thing we have pandora! I love pandora.

 

[OllyW]

I've had iTunes Radio as part of my Match subscription since 2012. That's 4 years.

It wasn't included with iTunes Match from the start because iTunes Radio has only been around for just over two years.
Apple Releases iTunes 11.1 with iTunes Radio, Genius Shuffle and More

 

[crazyninja]

I pay for iTunes match and listen to iTunes radio through my 3rd Gen Apple TV mostly. I attempted to use Apple Music, but it is not on the Apple TV that I have.

If they are taking away iTunes radio, does someone know if they will add Apple Music to the older generation Apple TV's? Or will there be no Apple streaming music option available anymore for me?

 

[rijc99]

I pay for iTunes match and listen to iTunes radio through my 3rd Gen Apple TV mostly. I attempted to use Apple Music, but it is not on the Apple TV that I have.

If they are taking away iTunes radio, does someone know if they will add Apple Music to the older generation Apple TV's? Or will there be no Apple streaming music option available anymore for me?

I assume Apple's solution for you is to have you buy the current generation Apple TV and discard the old functioning one.

 

[WigWag Workshop]

fine with me, I subscribe to Apple Music. Never used iTunes Radio much anyway. I do wonder why they decided to do away with ad-supported model though. Did the ad revenue dry up? Was it costing Apple more then they were taking in from ads?

 

[2010mini]

Pretty much every real radio station streams from their own website, or their own app, on any of a dozen or more apps which stream them all. Beats 1 had the chance to Sherlock them, with carefully curated tracks, from every genre. But they chose hip hop and gangsta rap. Even the BBC Radio 1 breakfast show is better.

What's wrong with hip-hop?

 

[coolfactor]

I'm confused, and maybe this is Apple's continued attempt to cleanup and simplify iTunes?

Under the "Radio" tab in iTunes, Beats 1 is prominently featured at the top, of course, and then there's a whole bunch of organized "radio stations" (?) underneath that. Are these the stations that Apple is referring to? I have never heard an advertisement on these, but I guess that's because I'm an iTunes Match and Apple Music subscriber?

Apple has recently registered additional Beats identifiers, so likely they will fill this space, and require some form of payment to access them.

I can totally understanding Apple restructuring this. Tons of bandwidth being used for very little financial return on their investment.

 

[Aldaris]

Something tells me most of the people in this thread don't realize Beats 1 has a schedule, with different shows featuring different genres.

I've discovered some amazing non-rap music from Beats 1.

For what it's worth, it's 2016, and on demand content is the norm. If Apple wanted to have curated free genres (like they were doing with iTunes Radio) that would be great. Unfortunately the beats branding was done prior to apples acquisition and pretty much alienated a portion of apples customer base (clearly evident in some of the comments here).

As an iTunes Match subscriber since launch-I am greatly disappointed in them pulling features, granted they gimped the radio service since beats radio/Apple Music was unveiled. Guess the writing was on the wall then, so I can't really say this is a total shock, but I van definitely echo that there is zero chance of me subscribing to to Apple Music.

 

[2010mini]

I never used AM. Or any other streaming service for that matter. I buy my music and locally store to listnen where and whenever. This is pretty much shooting themselves in the foot before the service gets off the ground.

Before? They already have 10 million subscribers.

But I do agree that they should've kept the stations for iTunes Match customers like me. Now they will only be available to AM subscribers. Sigh.....

I'll probably join AM family sub anyways. As a musician I like being able to access almost any song during band practice when the need arises. I currently do this with YouTube... But the ads are starting to piss me off.

 

[Aldaris]

Oh no, the end of free music. If this trend carries on I will have to pay for my shopping at the supermarket. Bloody producers, wanting money for their work. That is just outrageous!!!

When the iTunes Store launched it was originally to have an easy way to get legal music on your iPod. Purchased all for 99¢. Then a few years later and with the coming of smartphones, streaming was the rage, ad and ad free models. The idea of capitalism and exchanging money for a good/product or service isn't new, the communist everyone pays in and everyone gets everything is the popular way of thinking is now.

 

[Spankey]

I only use Slacker for radio. Their stations are the best out of any service. The Apple radio stations were good in the beginning but they went to complete crap once Apple Music started. I haven't listened in over a year. Apple is really losing a lot of its luster as a tech company in my eyes. Good computers but their services are all underwhelming.

 

[cmiller4642]

Times have changed. I guarantee you Spotify and Pandora are full pay services by mid 2016. Pandora just bought RDIO (a streaming service)

Face it CD's and iTunes are dying rapidly compared to streaming.

 

[CPx]

I love all the self-appointed tastemakers here who declare something sucks just because it's not to their taste.

 

[cmiller4642]

I love all the self-appointed tastemakers here who declare something sucks just because it's not to their taste.

The funny thing is what they're talking about is random ad supported radio vs 100% total access to probably 99% of every piece of music that's been relevant since the 1930's for a low monthly fee.

You want to listen to Zappa? His whole discography is on Apple Music. Michael Jackson? Throw Bad on in the car. Even The Beatles are on there now.

 

[Juicy Box]

So they're shutting down the free stations that you could listen to without being a Match or Apple Music subscriber? I wonder if that means Match will be going away and you'll have to sign up for Apple Music to get the benefits?

If match is discontinued, I will probable switch to one of the free services. For me, and many other, people, Apple Music cost too much.

If I spent just as much on buying the music, instead of getting Apple Music, I would probably have every song I would want in a few years.

I know some people can really benefit from Apple Music, and good for them. I wished Apple would just keep everything as it is, and give people a choice how they listen, instead of limiting it,

 

[cmiller4642]

If match is discontinued, I will probable switch to one of the free services. For me, and many other, people, Apple Music cost too much.

If I spent just as much on buying the music, instead of getting Apple Music, I would probably have every song I would want in a few years.

I know some people can really benefit from Apple Music, and good for them. I wished Apple would just keep everything as it is, and give people a choice how they listen, instead of limiting it,

To me 10 dollars a month for having a complete record store on your iPhone and iPad is totally worth it. You can literally listen to any song you'd ever want to hear with Apple Music.

 

[Juicy Box]

To me 10 dollars a month for having a complete record store on your iPhone and iPad is totally worth it. You can literally listen to any song you'd ever want to hear with Apple Music.

Thats why I said:

I know some people can really benefit from Apple Music

What is wrong with a choice on how to listen, I'd rather own, and what I don't own, listen on the iTunes Radio.

Also, I purchased more music via iTunes after using iTunes Radio than I ever did before it. I would hear a song, look it up on iTunes, check out the other songs, and if I like a few of them, buy the album.

But, @ $10 a month for the rest of my life? For me, that is a crap load of money for something that you never will own.

 

[thekeyring]

Ditto, I listened to Beats 1 for about 30 secs once, that was about enough for me. Back to Spotify full time as of Feb.

Why? Apple Music has radio stations.

 

[Ashwee]

Back to Radio 1 it is for me then, was nice while it lasted, can't justify £10 a month for radio, especially when I'm an iTunes Match subscriber