Apple Executive Rules Out Possibility of Free Apple Music Tier With Ads

[SirAnthonyHopkins]

As a former journalist, I find it funny that Apple doesn't have an ad-supported free Music tier but does have an ad-supported free newspaper tier.

But that's because the publishing industry largely runs on a free-to-the-reader, ad-supported model these days. And the music industry ... doesn't. Apple can't just go giving away people's music for free; it can, however, provide an app which collates and collects other already otherwise free news sources. Nothing that's free in Apple News is something you'd have to pay for anywhere else.

 

[Captain Trips]

But that's because the publishing industry largely runs on a free-to-the-reader, ad-supported model these days. And the music industry ... doesn't. Apple can't just go giving away people's music for free; it can, however, provide an app which collates and collects other already otherwise free news sources. Nothing that's free in Apple News is something you'd have to pay for anywhere else.

And in some cases, the articles that are part of News+ or that require a subscription, may be available on the web. Granted, in some of those cases (Newsweek, for example), you only get access to a limited number of articles before you have to pay, but for an article that looks really interesting you may be able to read it at the news provider's website.

 

[darkcompass]

It’s called monopoly. In other words, the App Store. Any app will always have to pay the artist and Apple, putting Apple in advantage over all. This is where we are.

Musicians and artists can put their music anywhere - Apple Music, Spotify, Bandcamp etc. It's not a monopoly when it comes to their content. Having a free tier cheapens the content provided by it. Musicians and Artists should be paid fairly for what they produce.

 

[ericwn]

It’s called monopoly. In other words, the App Store. Any app will always have to pay the artist and Apple, putting Apple in advantage over all. This is where we are.

No it’s not. You can have all your subscription activities done on your company’s website and then have people just log into the mobile app afterwards.

 

[Tech198]

"Segal says that a free tier wouldn't generate enough revenue to "support a healthy overall ecosystem," and that it "also really goes against our fundamental values on privacy."

Apple is unbelievable. Privacy has nothing to do with it if its a "choice."

 

[SirAnthonyHopkins]

"Segal says that a free tier wouldn't generate enough revenue to "support a healthy overall ecosystem," and that it "also really goes against our fundamental values on privacy."

Apple is unbelievable. Privacy has nothing to do with it if its a "choice."

putting “choice” in scare quotes is totally accurate and demonstrates why you’re wrong.

 

[ericwn]

putting “choice” in scare quotes is totally accurate and demonstrates why you’re wrong.

Well said. There’s nothing unbelievable about this.