Apple Music for Android emerges from beta in newest app update

Apple on Wednesday released version 1.0.0 of the Apple Music Android app, making relatively minor changes, but officially taking the service's Android support out of beta.

The app update incorporates "equalizer settings and a variety of performance, playback, and stability improvements," according to release notes. The download is free for devices running Android 4.3 or later, though most features require a monthly subscription.

Apple has only gradually brought Android support up to par with iOS. Initially, for instance, Android users couldn't access music videos or in-app sign-ups for Family plans.

The platform does offer some unique perks however, including the ability to save music to an SD card, and a home screen widget for quick playback control and track information.

Apple is normally resistant to supporting Android, preferring to nudge people into buying iPhones and iPads. The company has just three Android apps in all, one of which is actually a tool for migrating to iOS.

With Apple Music though the company was in a position of having to support legacy Beats Music subscribers on Android, and wanting to maximize the service's future listener base. Android is the world's most popular mobile OS, and even people who own iPhones and iPads might be reluctant to subscribe to a service that doesn't work across platforms.

11 Comments

triton100 7 comments · 9 Years

About 8 years ago

Doesn't this mean that apple are going to absolutely clean up with increased Apple Music subscribers now this has opened up to the huge android base ?

Even though research shows that android users are known to be less affluent and mainly users of free apps, I'm sure it will push the numbers up significantly.

Revenue's going to be sky high and the more this goes on the less valuable tidal will be to Apple Music. Their value is only going down the more AM subscribers. Poor Kanye

cali 3494 comments · 10 Years

About 8 years ago

triton100 said:

Doesn't this mean that apple are going to absolutely clean up with increased Apple Music subscribers now this has opened up to the huge android base ?

Even though research shows that android users are known to be less affluent and mainly users of free apps, I'm sure it will push the numbers up significantly.

Revenue's going to be sky high and the more this goes on the less valuable tidal will be to Apple Music. Their value is only going down the more AM subscribers. Poor Kanye

If Apple buys Tidal I don't see it being a huge deal. Maybe 1B or less.

SpamSandwich 32917 comments · 19 Years

About 8 years ago

Obviously this means Apple will soon introduce their own Android phone and that they are doomed.

triton100 7 comments · 9 Years

About 8 years ago

cali said:

triton100 said:

Doesn't this mean that apple are going to absolutely clean up with increased Apple Music subscribers now this has opened up to the huge android base ?

Even though research shows that android users are known to be less affluent and mainly users of free apps, I'm sure it will push the numbers up significantly.

Revenue's going to be sky high and the more this goes on the less valuable tidal will be to Apple Music. Their value is only going down the more AM subscribers. Poor Kanye

If Apple buys Tidal I don't see it being a huge deal. Maybe 1B or less.

I don't think it should even be that much. I think the value for jay z and Beyoncé etc is for them being allowed to come onboard and use Apple Music as a platform to stream their music. That's how they get paid. Why is Kanye demanding a pay check. For what?

The value in beats was for the expertise and input of Jimmy etc which is different- tidal would not bring that, only their catalogue of music which would already get paid for via streaming. Maybe Tidal should be cutting a check for cook to be allowed to stream on Apple Music.