Apple Acquires Primephonic: Streaming Music News

Apple Acquires Primephonic to Enhance Classical Music Streaming

Apple has announced the acquisition of Primephonic, a classical music streaming service based in Amsterdam. This strategic move aims to significantly improve Apple’s offerings within the classical music genre, an area where its current platform, Apple Music, has faced limitations.

Primephonic's Discontinuation and Future Integration

Primephonic will cease operations as an independent service. The shutdown is scheduled for September 7th. Apple is preparing to launch a dedicated classical music application in 2022, built upon the foundation of its existing streaming infrastructure.

The acquisition allows for a focused approach to classical music streaming. This will address a gap in the broader Apple Music experience.

Statements from Primephonic Leadership

Thomas Steffens, co-founder and CEO of Primephonic, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. He stated that joining Apple will enable them to deliver an exceptional experience to a wider audience. The goal is to introduce classical music to a new generation of listeners and connect musicians with a broader fanbase.

Primephonic’s User Base and Demographics

According to a 2020 interview with Primephonic’s CTO, the service had expanded its reach to 150 countries. The platform also attracts a distinct demographic compared to general streaming services.

Henrique Boregio noted that the majority of Primephonic users are over the age of 55, highly educated, and financially secure. He playfully suggested a correlation between an appreciation for classical music and financial prosperity.

Features of the Upcoming Apple Music Classical App

The new Apple Music Classical app will incorporate the most popular features of Primephonic. These include improved browsing and search functions, specifically categorized by composer and repertoire.

Users can also expect detailed classical music metadata displays. Furthermore, Apple plans to introduce new features and benefits to enhance the listening experience.

Offer for Existing Primephonic Subscribers

As a gesture of goodwill, Apple is offering existing Primephonic users a complimentary six-month subscription to Apple Music. This provides a transition period while the new classical music app is being developed and launched.

This acquisition demonstrates Apple’s commitment to providing a comprehensive and specialized music streaming experience for all genres.