Apple Beats rumor Re/code

A STREAM OF RUMORS: The speculation about Apple’s plans for Beats Music continues apace. Re/code has suggested that Cupertino is planning a new launch for the service next year and has asked the majors for “a new set of rights and features” that would allow expanded content options for less than Beats’ current $10 monthly fee. Apple issued an uncharacteristic denial (as opposed to its accustomed stony silence) when rumors swirled recently that the streaming service would be shut down and/or rolled into iTunes Radio. Although much has been made of Beats Music’s reportedly low subscriber base, Apple’s reach could of course change the equation. Beats heads Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre have been adamant that—unlike Spotify and other streaming competitors—their service would never feature ads, so subscription revenue is presumably the whole enchilada. If the latest claims are accurate, they and Apple’s Tim Cook, Eddy Cue, Robert Kondrk and team must thread the needle by offering more for less. (10/3a)