Apple is discontinuing its free ad-supported iTunes Radio option at the end of the month. The feature will be rolled into Apple Music as an additional feature for subscribers. Apple will continue free radio through Beats 1.
iTunes Radio was launched in 2013 and was available to users in the United States and Australia. Users could create personalized stations of their favorite artists and genres. iTunes radio remains, but it is now an Apple Music only feature for the company's reported 10 million person user base.
One of the main benefits that iTunes radio gave Apple was the ability to premiere albums and music content. Beats 1 has taken over that role for Apple Music since its launch. Playlists are king in the streaming world, so this could be an attempt to bolster Apple Music's playlist offering for their user base.
Apple Music subscriptions cost $9.99 per month.
The news about iTunes Radio was announced in an email to iTunes users.
"As a listener of ad-supported radio on Apple Music, we want you to know that it's being discontinued on 29 of January. Beats 1 will now be the premier free broadcast so you'll continue to get all the best music and culture there with world-class DJs like Zane Lowe and specialty programming from artists like Dr. Dre, Drake, Pharrell Williams and more.
Additionally, with an Apple Music membership, you can access dozens of radio stations like Charting Now, Pop Hits and all the genres you love -- handcrafted by our team of music experts, commercial-free with unlimited skips. Or you can create your own stations based on your favorite songs and artists. Start your Apple Music membership now and enjoy unlimited access to everything radio offers along with the entire Apple Music catalog."
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