Primephonic will be taken offline shortly and instead its classical user interface will be combined with more added features by Apple Music streaming service to create a new dedicated classical music app set to launch in 2022
Classical music streaming service Primephonic acquired by Apple. (Credit: Skullector Jeon from Pixabay)
Apple has acquired Primephonic, a Dutch-American start-up that provides classical music streaming service, for an undisclosed price.
Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Primephonic has developed a music streaming platform that offers a listening experience with search and browse functionality. The start-up was launched three years ago.
Its platform is said to enable classical music fans to stream and download almost all classical music that has ever been recorded in CD quality.
Claimed to have an expanding catalogue of more than a million recorded tracks, Primephonic’s platform also allows users to find background information on the works, artists, and composers they listen to. The classical music streaming service is available in more than 150 countries.
Apple said that subscribers of its Apple Music streaming service will get a considerably enhanced classical music experience following the addition of Primephonic’s playlists and exclusive audio content.
The tech giant said that in the near future Apple Music Classical fans will be able to avail some of the best features of Primephonic, which include better browsing and search capabilities by repertoire and by composer, and classical music metadata along with other new features and benefits.
Apple music and beats vice president Oliver Schusser said: “We love and have a deep respect for classical music, and Primephonic has become a fan favourite for classical enthusiasts.
“Together, we’re bringing great new classical features to Apple Music, and in the near future, we’ll deliver a dedicated classical experience that will truly be the best in the world.”
Meanwhile, Primephonic will no longer be available for new subscribers. Starting from 7 September 2021, the service will be taken offline, said Apple.
The tech giant said that Apple Music intends to launch a dedicated classical music app in 2022 by combining Primephonic’s classical user interface with more added features. Until then, existing subscribers of Primephonic will get six months of Apple Music for free, using which they can access classical albums.
Primephonic co-founder and CEO Thomas Steffens said: “Bringing the best of Primephonic to Apple Music subscribers is a tremendous development for the classical music industry.
“Artists love the Primephonic service and what we’ve done in classical, and now we have the ability to join with Apple to deliver the absolute best experience to millions of listeners. We get to bring classical music to the mainstream and connect a new generation of musicians with the next generation of audience.”