We’ll be covering today’s iPhone 8 announcement live on Twitter, in part because there are several interesting music related announcement rumors that we’re hearing about Apple Music and iTunes. Whatever is revealed, it’s clear that Apple’s music streamer is finally gaining traction with its core audience.
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By analyst Russ Crupnick of MusicWatch
September 12 is expected to bring us the latest iPhone; for those of us who use them it is difficult to recall a time without one. While the iPhone celebrates its tenth birthday in style, Apple Music is making strides among iOS users. Apple Music is the most popular paid music subscription service among iOS users.
During the first six months of 2017, one in five iOS users listened to Apple Music (21 percent), up from 13 percent in the first six months of 2016. Apple Music edged out Spotify Premium for the title of most used, although both saw significant listener gains in 2017. Both services are benefitting from the overall growth in paid music subscribers in the US.
Spotify Premium still dominates the chart for share of listening among iOS users. Spotify users on the iOS platform spend 40 percent more time listening to music. Apple Music comes in a respectable second.
More iOS users are listening to Apple Music, but engagement with Spotify Premium is stronger. Apple Music has an opportunity to improve usage those new listeners, and surely the new iPhone will help.