Apple’s Power Moves & Zane Lowe

The battle over streaming dominance is getting heated, and Apple appears to be making some major power moves. It all started when Apple launched iTunes Radio in 2013 to compete with growing streaming services. After some initial setbacks, Apple then bought Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine’s Beats Electronics for a whopping $3 billion last May with plans to incorporate Beats into the larger Cupertino family. With iTunes’ 800+ million registered users and over 1 billion iOS devices sold around the world, Apple’s alleged proposal to pre-install the Beats’ streaming service on Apple products gives CEO Tim Cook a leg up on Pandora (valued at $3.2 billion) and Spotify (valued at $5.7 billion).

Though Apple and Beats representatives remain aloof on the new partnership, industry commentators anticipate social networking capabilities, enhanced thematic playlists, and paid subscription prices ranging from $5.99 – $9.99 per month for members. Amidst all the gossip surrounding Apple’s rapid music expansion, Apple’s business venture with Beats undoubtedly gives Cook the potential to dominate all three forms of online music consumption: direct ownership, internet radio and on-demand streaming.

As great as Apple’s recent tech expansions are, here at Black Sheep we’re turning our attention towards Apple’s other important acquisition: Zane Lowe. Zane Lowe – BBC Radio 1’s famous twelve-year radio DJ vet – announced he’ll be joining “Team Apple” in the industry’s rat race later this year.

Known for his energetic personality and hilarious interviews (like the one that made everyone fall in love with the Haim sisters), Zane Lowe has carved out his own place in the industry and continues to play a major role in the rise of global stars like Adele and Ed Sheeran. Though we’ll surely join Pete Tong and Annie Mac in missing Zane at BBC, we’re pumped to see what he’ll do at Apple, and we’ll keep you posted.