Apple is in talks with major record labels to provide a subscription-based music service, allowing unlimited access to songs for a monthly fee. Citing unnamed sources, the New York Post said Apple iTunes boss Eddy Cue talked to music labels about how they could implement this plan just a few weeks ago. The service would reportedly have tiered pricing ranging from $10 to $15, depending on much music would be included and how long consumers would be able to access the content. That's more expensive than the Google Music rumor but details are still scarce for both services.
Rumors about an Apple streaming service have been around for years but they've increased ever since Apple bought Lala and killed it. Many key details are still unknown: how much music would users be able to access in a month and for how long? Current subscription services offer their whole music library until the subscription is canceled, but Apple might do something different. Apple may be working on a cloud service that would allow users to store their iTunes music libraries on the company's servers and then stream those songs to Web-connected devices, but this would be separate from a streaming music subscription service.
This rumor comes hot on the heels of news that Apple is arguing against streaming music service Spotify's US launch, telling music executives that it could hurt download sales, according to CNET. Spotify is a music streaming service that has already had huge success in Europe, since it offers both an ad-supported option as well as a premium subscription with no ads.