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Report: Apple in talks w/ Russian labels ahead of new music service, international iTunes Radio rollout

Apple Watch + Music

We’ve reported extensively on what Apple has in store for its new revamped music service that will come alongside an international expansion of iTunes Radio, and today reports from Russian publication Vedomosti (via Billboard) hint that Russia will be one market Apple is aiming to launch in soon…

The business daily Vedomosti quoted sources at several leading Russian record labels as saying that Russia is going to be among the first countries where Apple will launch its music service, and negotiations with local labels about expanding digital rights to streaming are in progress.

It isn’t clear exactly what the negotiations are for — Apple’s revamped music streaming service that we reported will build on top of the functionality found in the current Beats Music app, or the international expansion of iTunes Radio, which is currently only available in the U.S. and Australia. We reported earlier this month that the new on-demand streaming service will likely be called “Apple Music” and come alongside an international expansion for iTunes Radio.

Apple is currently planning to launch the new Apple Music service at its Worldwide Developers Conference Kickoff keynote on Monday, June 8th.

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Comments

  1. bunim1 - 9 years ago

    Does all this music service rumors mean apple is getting rid of free iTunes Radio

  2. Avenged110 - 9 years ago

    Echosmith, nice.

Author

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Jordan Kahn

Jordan writes about all things Apple as Senior Editor of 9to5Mac, & contributes to 9to5Google, 9to5Toys, & Electrek.co. He also co-authors 9to5Mac’s Logic Pros series.