Apple launches its new classical music streaming app for pre-order

Apple is launching a new music streaming service focused on classical music. Based on the 2021 acquisition of Amsterdam-based streamer Primephonic, the new Apple Music Classical app offers Apple Music subscribers access to more than 5 million classical music tracks, including new releases with high-quality audio and hundreds of curated playlists. thousands of exclusive albums and other features like composer biographies and deep dives into key works, Apple says.

The service is rumored to be nearing completion given its appearance in the latest OS updates released to developers, but an exact launch date was not yet known.

Although the app was announced today, it is currently only available for pre-order in the App Store. The release date will be later this month on March 28th. Also, the app only supports iOS devices running iOS 15.4 or later.

The company’s decision to target classical music listeners with a stand-alone app differentiates the Apple Music subscription service — though it’s a service that’s quite different from the rival Spotify announced this week, which featured technological enhancements such as AI and video based. discovery feeds.

Image sources: Apple

Instead, Apple Music Classical presents a simple interface for learning about classical works. Users can search by composer, work, conductor or even catalog number to find recordings. We can even transmit them in 192 kHz/24-bit high-resolution lossless high-quality audio. And thousands of recordings will also be available in Apple’s immersive surround sound.

The app allows users to dive into the recordings to read editorial notes about the composers and descriptions of their most important works. Famous composers can also access their own high-resolution digital portraits, commissioned by Apple artists. They’re designed with the right classic era color palettes and artistic references, notes Apple, with more to come in time. At launch, portraits of Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin and Johann Sebastian Bach will be available.

The service is constantly updated with new music over time. Apple notes that it has partnered with classical music artists and music institutions to offer exclusive content and recordings at launch and will continue in the future. For now, users can follow the @appleclassical Twitter account for news and updates about the app and music releases.

There is no additional charge for Apple Music Classical as it is delivered as part of your Apple Music subscription. The app will be available to multiple subscribers, including individual ($10.99/month), student ($5.99/month), family ($16.99/month), and Apple One plans.

Although the service will only work on iOS at launch, it will “soon” support Android, similar to the Apple Music app.