Apple unveils streaming service at WWDC2015, The Weeknd shares new track

08 June 2015, 20:14 | Written by Laurence Day

(News)

(The Weeknd)

Apple has this evening confirmed that the long-running top secret gambit we all knew to be true was, indeed, true. Apple are launching a streaming service.

It will be a new app that merges a vast streaming song and music video catalogue, internet radio (including Beats One, hosted by Zane Lowe) and a platform for artists to unveil new tracks and bonus material.

There will also be a meticulously crafted recommendation system featuring both "human curators and computer algorithms" to come up with detailed suggestsions.

Many onlookers are already predicting success, largely because of the brand familiarity and the fact many consumers already own and use Apple products, making seamless integration much easier.

Apple have confirmed that the service will launch on 30 June in over 100 countries, costing $9.99 a month in the US (equal to Spotify), or $14.99 per month for families of up to six. Only iOS and Mac products will have the option for the service to begin with, though Android will also be able to receive it later this year.

Other new developments include an overhaul of Siri, an extension of the Apple Pay service in the UK (contactless payments via Apple devices from next month). Apple Pay will reportedly be on offer at roughly 250,000 locations across the UK and would cover up to 70% of currently issued credit and debit cards; the service would use contactless payment hardware and software already installed into pay points. New OS software for Macs and the Apple Watch were also revealed.

The Weeknd also performed a new track, the recently leaked "I Can't Feel My Face", a considerably more upbeat take of his swooning noir&B; those comparisons to Michael Jackson suddenly became a lot more relevant again.

For more information about all the new services, head here. Watch some of the promo videos below.

All the ways you love music. All in one place. Apple Music, coming soon. #WWDC15 http://t.co/HcKyj4emmO https://t.co/yCk2TWnk2M
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 8, 2015

“And one more thing…” Apple Music, coming soon. #WWDC15 http://t.co/HcKyj4emmO https://t.co/1MzOlcUDx3
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 8, 2015

.@Beats1. Worldwide. Always on. Coming soon on #AppleMusic. cc: @zanelowe @oldmanebro @JulieAdenuga https://t.co/NI5bRcdZYW
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) June 8, 2015