Streaming and subscription music services are a dime a dozen on iPhone, and they seem to get past Apple's app store approval hurdles with relative ease. But Spotify was one whose fate wasn't so clear cut, given its offline playlist function -- which as the name suggests downloads songs ahead of time for you to listen to when there's no WiFi or phone service to stream from -- could very easily fall into the category of
"duplication of core iPhone functionality" and get deep-sixed at the drop of a hat. Turns out that's not the case here, as an Apple spokesperson has told
paidContent UK that the app's been given the metaphorical stamp of approval and would be hitting the store "very soon." A premium subscription will run about £9.99 ($16.20) per month, with an option to pay annually coming at a later date. Of course, there's a catch, as Spotify's service is only available in Sweden, Norway, Finland, the UK, France and Spain for now. The company expects to invade America sometime later this year, but that means another round of app store approvals -- and with Apple's
track record on consistency, there's no telling how that'll turn out.
posted August 27th 2009 5:31PM
do any yanks want an invite to spotify?
you get them when you pay for the service, and i think i have about 6 or 8 or something.
let me know.
I like the fact that Apple would allow the app. Do you think it will make it to the US? If they pass the Rhapsody app in the US, but not allow playlists for off-line (no 3G or WiFi connection) use and listening, why would they allow a Spotify app in the US that does just that???
I am a Rhapsody-To-Go subscriber. This is how I get all my music. I don't buy CD's anymore. I don't buy MP3's. I pay $15.00 USD every month to listen to what ever I want, any time I want. I don't, nor want to, worry about the safety or storage of my music collection. It's in the cloud.
I only paid $89 for my Sony Walkman 8 gig (1/4 size of iPod Touch). I plug it in to recharge and update my music every couple days.
From a music stand point, Apple will not get my $$ until they offer the same (or better)