Apple to Kill Free iTunes Radio

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iTunes RadioApple Inc. plans to phase-out the free iTunes Radio service on Jan. 28, it told customers in an email.


The ad-supported music-streaming service that competes with Pandora is only available in the U.S. and Australia, according to the company.

ITunes Radio launched in 2013 when Apple debuted i0S 7. It allows users to listen to playlists and stations that are automatically generated — like Pandora and Spotify.

The ad-supported service will be folded into Apple Music, which costs $9.99 a month and is available in 100+ countries. By charging, Apple will be able to offer listeners an ad-free experience. Listeners will also have greater control, such as the ability to skip an unlimited number of songs.

Beats 1, the global 24/7 radio station, will now be the free music option for listeners.