Photo Credit: Apple
Apple is rebranding its Beats 1 radio service to bring it more closely in line with Apple Music.
Beats 1 has now officially been rebranded to Apple Music 1, removing the Beats branding that launched the radio service. The company is also launching Apple Music Hits and Apple Music Country radio stations under the Apple Music Radio branding.
Apple hopes the rebranding will bring more focus on its radio offerings compared to its rivals. Both Spotify and Pandora are known for their algorithmic radio playlists and have considerable market traction. Apple Music offers its own personalized playlists, but this will consolidate its offerings under one branding umbrella.
Apple Music 1 features artist interviews and breaking music news. Apple’s renewed focus on radio-style shows is an attempt to draw people who just want to listen to good music.
Apple Music Radio branding establishes two new radio stations – Apple Music Country and Apple Music Hits.
Apple says its new hits station will be led by on-air hosts Jayde Donovan, Estelle, Lowkey, Jenn Marino, Sabi, Nicole Sky, Natalie Sky, and George Stroumboulopoulos, and will feature extra shows. Exclusive shows for artists like the Backstreet Boys, Ciara, Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, Alanis Morrissette, Snoop Dogg, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, and more will be hosted across Apple Music Hits.
The Apple Music Country station will feature hosts Kelleigh Bannen, Ty Bentli, Bree, Alecia Davis, Ward Guenther, Nada and Tiera, plus shows from Ashley Eicher and Kelly McCartney. Exclusive shows from artists like Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Flordia Georgia Line, Carrie Underwood, and more will be hosted on Apple Music Country.
Apple Music Radio will bring more attention to music that ‘just plays’ – often a barrier for country fans.
With the rebranding, listeners can now ask Siri to play music from each of these stations. Apple Music is supported on iPhone, iPad, iPod, CarPlay, Apple Watch, AppleTV, Mac, HomePod, and on the web at music.apple.com.
“For the past five years, if ever there was a meaningful moment in music culture, Beats 1 was there bringing human curation to the forefront and drawing in listeners with exclusive shows from some of the most innovative, respected, and beloved people in music,” says Oliver Schusser, VP of Apple Music.
“Now, Apple Music providers an unparalleled global platform for artists across all genres to talk about, create, and share music with their fans, and this is just the beginning. We will continue to invest in live radio and create opportunities for listeners around the world to connect with the music they love,” Schusser continued.