Apple Music goes live with release of iOS 8.4

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Apple's streaming music service is now available to download, launching alongside the Beats 1 radio station.

The long-awaited Apple Music streaming service is now live, launching with the release of iOS 8.4 which is available as a free download now.

The update enhances the Music app, bundling the Apple Music service, Beats 1 radio and your own music collection.

Beats 1, Apple's new internet radio station, began broadcasting at 5pm - and is free to all Apple users.

Zane Lowe hosted the first show on Beats 1, with Eminem set to be the first superstar guest. Dr. Dre, Ellie Goulding, Elton John and Pharell will also be hosting their own shows.

MORE: Apple Music vs. Spotify, Tidal and alternatives

Following the three-month trial, Apple Music will cost £9.99 per month or £14.99 per month for a family subscription for up to six people.

As well as its £10 per month option, Tidal also offers CD-quality streams for £20 per month. There's no sign of CD-quality streams on Apple Music, nor any confirmation of the rumour that the service will offer 256kbps streams.

While you'll get access to the iTunes music library, Apple also has some exclusive streaming content, including Pharrell's new track Freedom, the Taylor Swift album 1989, and Dr. Dre's classic album Chronic.

The iOS update is available now on all compatible iOS devices.

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Joe Cox
Joe Cox
Content Director

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff, and the Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).