- Apple Music has partnered with free audio streaming platform TuneIn to give non-subscribers access to its live streamed radio stations
- You can now access six of Apple Music’s live radio stations for free – a first for the music streaming service
- It looks like Apple is trying to entice more subscribers by expanding its reach outside of the Apple Music ecosystem
In a first for Apple Music, the music streaming service is offering free access to its six live streamed radio stations in a new partnership with TuneIn – a free online audio streaming platform that gives listeners access to radio, podcasts, sports, and more.
Apple Music has partnered with TuneIn to extend the reach of its live radio shows to the free audio streamer’s 75 million monthly listeners, The Wall Street Journal ($/£) reports, and you can access six Apple Music Radio stations outside of the Apple Music app for free right now. They are:
- Apple Music 1
- Apple Music Hits
- Apple Music Country
- Apple Música Uno
- Apple Music Club
- Apple Music Chill
Apple seems to be conducting another strategic move to entice new subscribers, or regain ones who may have made the switch to competing music streaming services – most notably Spotify. Just last week Spotify unveiled its rival to Apple Music’s AutoMix, and it announced its new Messages feature just a few days ago.
While Spotify offers an ad-supported tier, Apple Music doesn’t, and therefore lacks other means of attracting new subscribers beyond free trials. The decision to expand its radio station access enables it to reach millions of potential new listeners, and if you’re tempted to make the switch, these are the Apple Music Radio stations I’d try out first.
1. Apple Music 1
This is arguably Apple Music’s main radio station, which airs daily music shows from hosts such as Rebecca Judd, Matt Wilkinson, and of course, Zane Lowe. It’s a hot spot for both the latest music releases and for pop culture conversation, and often features guest hosting sessions from some of the biggest artists in the world.
2. Apple Music Hits
Similar to Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits also has dedicated slots hosted by both broadcasters and artists, but its main aim is to bring you the best hits from the last 20 years through radio segments highlighting specific genres and music of the ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s. It also has curated shows featuring today’s hits, but not to the extent of Apple Music 1.
3. Apple Music Chill
Apple Music Chill is exactly what the name suggests, serving up low-tempo, relaxing tracks which Apple describes as “an escape, a refuge, a sanctuary in sound”. It features laid-back artists and producers, and a variety of instrumental music including dinner party and coffee shop mixes, piano chill outs and spa music.
