Apple’s iPhone music plans ‘stall over licensing’

APPLE’S bid to launch iRadio, a streaming music service for iPhones and iPads, has reportedly hit a snag over payments for songs which users skip after just a few seconds.

The service will reportedly run on iOS devices. Picture: Jane Barlow

iRadio, designed to compete with the likes of Spotify, was due to launch this summer. However, Apple’s negotiations with Sony Music are believed to have ground to a halt over the skipping issue.

Apple’s service is believed to involve a free radio element, along with paid subscription options.

Revenue from each of these streams would be split between Apple and the record labels, but Apple’s desire to mix several types of service into one has required entirely new agreements to be struck up.

According to CNET, Sony are looking to receive royalties for these songs from Apple, even if users only listen to them for the time it takes to press the ‘skip’ button.

The world’s largest record label, Universal Music Group, have agreed for their catalogue to feature on iRadio, while Warner are believed to be close to agreeing a deal.

Multiple reports suggest that the delay means Apple will be unable to launch iRadio at the Worldwide Developers’ Conference (WWDC), one of the world’s largest technology exhibitions, which takes place next month.

This could also have a knock-on effect on the launch of the next operating system for iPads and iPhones, with iOS 7 believed to have the iRadio functionality built-in.