Google has been making iOS apps for years and now it's Apple's turn to return the favor. A new report claims Apple will release its first Android app when it launches its new Beats Music streaming service.
When Apple released the original iPod in October 2001, the portable music player was limited to only working with Mac OS 9 computers. Apple introduced support for Windows when it released the second-generation iPod in 2002 and followed up with a Windows version of iTunes in 2003, signaling the beginning of Apple releasing cross-platform applications for rivals. In 2007, Apple once again graced Windows with another app with the release of its Safari web browser.
When it comes to Apple's own iOS applications, the company has never released an Apple-built app for Android but it looks like things are about to change, according to a new report.
Now that Apple has acquired Beats Music, 9To5Mac is reporting that the company is planning to integrate Beats into iTunes, iOS' Music app, Apple TV and its first Android app. The site claims that Apple had originally planned to debut the new apps and service as early as March, but its sources are saying that it will likely launch at Apple's WWDC in June, when the company is expected to unveil iOS 9 to the world. It's possible Apple will show previews of the service on all of the platforms it will support and its official launch will likely coincide with the release of iOS 9 in the fall.
The report goes on to say that Apple was planning to launch the new Beats Music streaming subscription at $5 per month but sources claim that Apple is now looking at charging $7.99 per month, undercutting Spotify and Google Play Music, which both currently charge $9.99 per month.
The launch of an Apple-built Beats Music app for Android, clearly shows Apple's openness under the leadership of CEO Tim Cook, when compared with the late Steve Job's feelings on Google's mobile OS. We'll of course keep you posted on this news once more details become available.
