Could we expect a new iRadio feature in the next version of iOS? All signs and rumors point to yes. It all started in the beginning of September, when the Wall Street Journal broke the news of Apple working on a music streaming service to compete with the likes of Pandora & Spotify. But like any other music streaming service out there, you need to get the music labels on board.
9to5Mac actually discovered these icons within a jailbroken iPad running iOS 6.1. Further adding to the possible existence of iRadio. While no one has seen it in action, we can only presume that it would work similar to its competitors but with the ability to purchase or tag to purchase a new song later. Word has it that you will be able to jump back to the beginning of a song while other streaming services just allow you to skip a few songs. Hopefully the team behind it can make iRadio interesting enough to keep consumers on the iOS train.
Apple wants a piece of the internet music streaming market to work hand-in-hand with iTunes.
Apple’s iRadio has been delayed due to Apple ironing out the royalty rates and licensing deals from the music labels. They are closing in on deals with Universal Music Group and working on solidifying agreements with Warner Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment. The Verge reported that Apple was looking to pay a lot less than what Pandora pays for its internet music license (more like half). Like 6 cents per 100 songs streamed but looks to now pay pretty much the same as the popular streaming service.
The iPhone 5S is currently rumored for a summer announcement and is slated to offer minor upgrades (like a 12 or 13MP camera & faster processors). With the announcement of the next iPhone on the way, this would make a great addition to the new changes come along with iOS 7. With the Samsung’s Android competition heating up and lack of innovation on iOS, its still all on eyes on Apple.
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