The Verge is reporting that Apple is working hard for a summer launch of their iRadio is a service.
“Much has been written about Apple’s plan to launch a Pandora-esque service this year,” Greg Sandoval writes for The Verge. “Now multiple music industry insiders have told The Verge that significant progress has been made in the talks with two of the top labels: Universal and Warner. One of the sources said “iRadio is coming. There’s no doubt about it anymore.” Apple is pushing hard for a summertime launch.”
“The New York Post reported last month that Apple wants to pay 6 cents per 100 song streams. According to the Post story, Pandora currently pays under the statutory rate 12 cents per 100 spins. By comparison, Spotify pays as much as 35 cents,” Greg Sandoval explains. “Whatever the ultimate rates, if the labels give Apple a better deal, that would give Pandora plenty of ammunition to argue on Capitol Hill that web radio is getting screwed.”
