Come 2015, Apple Will Reportedly Bake Beats Music-Streaming Service Into iOS The move would represent Apple's first attempt to capitalize on its $3 billion purchase of Beats Electronics in May.

By Geoff Weiss

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

beatsmusic.com

Following a widely-publicized skirmish with Taylor Swift earlier this month, Spotify may soon have another much-beloved enemy in its crosshairs: Apple.

In what is reportedly the tech giant's first attempt to capitalize on its $3 billion purchase of Beats Electronics in May, Apple will bake Beats' music-streaming service into an iOS software update slated for March.

Like other proprietary Apple apps, the move would preinstall Beats Music on hundreds of millions of iPhones and iPads, reports the Financial Times. Whereas Beats Music counts a mere 110,000 subscribers, Apple has an estimated 200 million active iTunes customers. Today, streaming leader Spotify boasts 10 million subscribers.

Related: Rumors Swirl Over Apple's Plan for Beats

The move would also mark Apple's first foray into the subscription music business amid decelerating iTunes sales, according to the Times. Apple also offers a third music product -- iTunes Radio, which is an ad-supported service similar to Pandora.

Beats Music, which currently charges users $10 per month for streams and downloads from a catalog of roughly 20 million songs, will likely be rebranded under the iTunes moniker, according to the Times. And Apple could make the service compatible with its newly-unveiled Apple Pay feature or link the push to the launch of its forthcoming Apple Watch next year.

While many are curious about how Apple intends to incorporate Beats, one recent preinstallation by Apple was met with a collective groan. After U2's Songs of Innocence was automatically added to iTunes libraries the world over, Apple released a step-by-step guide for users desperate to delete the album.

Related: Bono Regrets Putting U2's New Album in Your iCloud Library

Geoff Weiss

Former Staff Writer

Geoff Weiss is a former staff writer at Entrepreneur.com.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Innovation

4 Ways Market Leaders Use Innovation to Foster Business Growth

Forward-thinkers constantly strive to diversify and streamline their products and services, turning novelties into commodities desired by many.

Business News

JPMorgan Shuts Down Internal Message Board Comments After Employees React to Return-to-Office Mandate

Employees were given the option to leave comments about the RTO mandate with their first and last names on display — and they did not hold back.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business Process

The Best Times, Days and Months To Post on YouTube (2023)

When is the best time to post YouTube videos to maximize their effect? Discover the best time to post on YouTube in this detailed guide.

Leadership

From Elite Athletes to Tech Titans — Discover the Surprising $100-Million Habit That Leads to Extraordinary Success

Success comes from mastering focus, eliminating distractions and prioritizing what truly matters.