When will we find out how many people have officially signed up to Apple Music?
The wait continues, but last night we got a big hint from Apple CEO Tim Cook – “millions and millions” are apparently using the service, with 15,000 artists taking advantage of its direct-to-fan channel Connect.
“The September quarter is off to an exciting start,” he told investors in an earnings call after announcing Apple’s Q3 fiscal results – quarterly revenue of $49.6 billion and quarterly net profit of $10.7 billion.
“We’re thrilled by the response to Apple Music, which launched in over 100 countries on June 30.
“Apple Music is a single immersive app that combines the best ways to enjoy music all in one place. It’s an incredible streaming music service, a pioneering worldwide live radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day, and a great place for music fans to connect with their favorite artist.
“Customers and reviewers love the human curation features of Apple Music and the way it’s helping people discover new music.
“Millions and millions of customers are experiencing Apple Music’s trial period… over 15,000 artists have signed up to post on Connect and millions of listeners are tuning in to Beats 1.”
Tim Cook, Apple
“Millions and millions of customers are already experiencing the new service using the three-month trial period, and the numbers are growing substantially every day.”
Apple Music launched on iOS devices on June 30 offering users a three-month free trial.
When their trial is complete, they can pay $9.99 a month for an individual subscription and $14.99 a month for a family package for up to six people.
He added: “Over 15,000 artists have signed up to post on Connect, where we are already seeing great original content, including a world premiere video by Drake.
“Millions of listeners around the world are tuning in to Beats 1, the first of its kind worldwide radio station featuring some of the most talented and passionate music lovers on the planet.
“This all adds up to a renewed sense of excitement around music, which we love and expect to continue as Apple Music gets traction with customers.”
That was the only mention of Apple Music by Cook; its launch on June 30 came after the last day (June 27) of Apple’s three-month Q3.
What we do know is that Apple sold 47.5 million iPhones in the quarter and 10.9 million iPads.
Although Cook didn’t reveal Apple Watch sales figures, he said the device “more than offset the decline in iPod and accessory sales”.
In May, Apple Music’s closest rival Spotify announced it had amassed 75m users, 20m of which were paying subscribers.Music Business Worldwide