Rumor: Apple is developing Android app for music service based on Beats

Apple is said to be working on an Android app and integrating a music streaming service into iOS, iTunes and the Apple TV. The paid service would build on the service of the acquired Beats. The introduction may follow in June.

It would be the first Android app that Apple has developed entirely itself, claims 9to5mac. Beats itself already offered an Android app for its streaming service. Apple has used the content and “technology” of Beats, the company that the group acquired almost a year ago, for its new own service. However, much of the service, such as the design, is said to come from Apple itself. The paid service would be integrated into the music apps for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch and in a new version of iTunes and an application for the Apple TV.

After a search, users could choose whether to play tracks streaming or add them to a personal library. The latter would allow them to store the songs on their system or in iCloud. The new service will receive functionalities such as playlists, activities and mixes in the way that Beats Music also offered. In addition, social networking features would be taken over from Beats.

Furthermore, Apple would give the possibility to transfer accounts from Beats Music to the new service and to migrate music collections. The introduction would not affect Apple’s existing range of music services, such as iTunes Radio and iTunes Match.

Originally, Apple had planned to introduce the music service in March, but due to internal struggles, this would not have been achieved. Now June would be ‘a possibility’. Apple would like to charge $7.99 per month for the service, keeping it slightly below the price of competitors’ premium plans.