Apple said to be missing key streaming licenses but June launch still likely

Rumours surrounding the licensing situation of Apple’s streaming service and its potential launch date have multiplied this week, following reports that the company was being investigated by the FCC over the tactics deployed during its negotiations with labels. 

Billboard reports that according to several industry sources Apple still doesn’t have the necessary licenses to go ahead with the launch. This implies that the company is still missing at least one major label deal although the article stops short of providing details as to who might be playing hardball. 

The Billboard report states that within the industry there are contrasting opinions as to whether the service will be ready for a June launch, with one major label source in particular stating it won’t be. 

9to5mac on the other hand reports that according to its sources Apple still plans to announce the streaming service on the 8th of June at WWDC, with the launch following later that month with the release of iOS 8.4. 

Regardless of the actual launch date, is clear that the path towards Apple rolling out a streaming offering has not been an easy one. Labels pushed back on the idea of lowering the price of premium subscriptions to $7.99 and so the service is  - as far as price point is concerned - going to be entirely similar to Spotify, Rdio, Rhapsody and Deezer. 

Although Apple does not need to remain the most important music outlet on the planet - its devices and apps are doing just fine on their own - it seems like the company sees its influence in the music space as a point of pride and is prepared to spend whatever it takes to retain it. Given its almost infinite resources that is something other players in the music streaming industry should be worried about. 

(Andrea Leonelli)