Apple Music is now available on Amazon Echo devices in the UK.
The music streaming service was made available on Echo devices in the US in December 2018, with an Apple Music skill added in the Alexa app.
That Apple Music skill can now be used by users in the UK.
The roll out in the UK is of course great news for Echo owners who also happen to be Apple Music subscribers, in addition to it having the potential to significantly boost Apple Music subscribers.
It’s not encouraging news for Apple‘s own smartspeaker, the HomePod, which hasn’t sold as well as the Amazon Echo or Google Home devices and the move might be indicative of the tech giant’s ongoing shift from being a hardware -focused business to an entertainment and financial service provider.
According to a Q1 2018 report by researchers Strategy Analytics, the HomePod only shipped 600,000 units across the period – compared to 4m for Echo and 2.4m for Home.
Additionally, as noted by the Independent, Apple Music availability on Echo devices marks the first time that the streaming service can be used
“Music is one of the most popular features on Alexa—since we launched Alexa four years ago, customers are listening to more music in their homes than ever before,” said Dave Limp, senior vice president, Amazon Devices, speaking at the time of the US launch
“We are committed to offering great music providers to our customers and since launching the Music Skill API to developers just last month, we’ve expanded the music selection on Alexa to include even more top tier services.
“We’re thrilled to bring Apple Music – one of the most popular music services in the US – to Echo customers this holiday.”Music Business Worldwide
