Apple's acquisition of classical music service Primephonic in August 2021 raised hopes for releasing a dedicated classical music app. However, the year ended without the app's launch, and it is unclear if it will be released in 2023.
Rumors and Possibilities
An Apple Newsroom press release from 2021 stated that the app would combine Primephonic's classical user interface with additional features. Since then, Apple has not commented on the plans.
References to the Apple Classical app were discovered in a beta version of the Apple Music app for Android and the iOS 15.5 beta. Further references were found in an XML file on Apple's servers.
A report from MacRumors tells us that it is probable that Apple is taking its time incorporating Primephonic's best features, such as increased browsing and search capabilities and thorough displays of classical music metadata.
Meanwhile, the same report mentions that it is also likely that the company is still developing a viable payout model, as Primephonic used a pay-per-second-listened model rather than Apple Music's pay-per-play model.
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The pay-per-second-listened model used by Primephonic is a unique approach to compensating artists and other rights holders. Under this model, the artist is paid a certain amount for each second their music is listened to, rather than receiving a flat rate for each song's play.
It is possible that Apple is considering implementing a similar model for the Apple Classical app or is exploring other options for compensating artists.
In addition to the pay-per-second-listened model, Primephonic also offered a range of other features that may be of interest to Apple. These include a user interface specifically designed for classical music enthusiasts, and advanced search and browsing capabilities that allow users to find specific pieces of music by composer or repertoire.
Apple could be working on incorporating these features into the Apple Classical app or developing its own unique features to offer classical music to fans.
Is It Still Coming?
Primephonic shut down in September 2021, offering its subscribers six months of free access to Apple Music. If it is eventually released, the Apple Classical app will replace Primephonic, providing a destination for streaming classical music from composers such as Beethoven and Mozart.
It is presently uncertain whether the app will be released in 2023 or if the plans have been shelved. Several reports have hinted at an Apple classical music standalone app. The alleged arrival of the new classic application was also detected in leaked Apple backend code.
Meanwhile, back in February, Apple Music Android beta code hinted at a new classical music app for the iPhone maker's streaming service. The update also includes a revamped widget design.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Apple Classical app, classical music fans can still access a wide range of options for streaming this genre of music.
Services such as Spotify, Pandora, and Deezer offer extensive classical music libraries, and many classical radio stations also offer online streaming options.
While the launch of a dedicated classical music app from Apple would be a welcome addition to the market, classical music enthusiasts have no shortage of options for enjoying this genre.
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