Streaming audio platform TuneIn has expanded its global distribution partnership with Apple that allows the service to carry six commercial-free radio streams from Apple Music.
Beginning today, TuneIn listeners worldwide can access all six of Apple Music’s 24/7 stations. The move extends Apple Music’s reach to TuneIn’s broad network of connected devices, which includes more than 200 hardware integrations across smart speakers, headphones and over 15 automotive brands.
“Apple Music Radio has always been about connection, artists sharing their music and their stories in real time and listeners discovering something new together,” said Rachel Newman, the co-Head of Apple Music. “Through our partnership with TuneIn, we’re able to bring that experience to even more people, extending beyond the Apple ecosystem and reaching music fans wherever they are.”
Apple and TuneIn have a pre-existing partnership that involves the integration of streaming feeds of AM and FM broadcast stations into the Apple Music app for phones, tablets and Apple TV devices. It wasn’t clear from the announcement on Wednesday if the new Apple Music radio stream pact extends or changes Apple’s relationship with TuneIn with respect to TuneIn’s AM and FM radio streams.
For TuneIn, the addition of Apple’s stations further strengthens its pitch as a key distribution hub for audio programming. The San Francisco-based company distributes live radio, podcasts, music and sports content through integrations with car dashboards, smart devices and consumer electronics.
“Apple choosing TuneIn as the first platform to stream its radio stations reinforces our position as the go-to distribution partner for global audio,” said Richard Stern, the CEO of TuneIn. “With deep integrations across connected devices and cars, TuneIn is uniquely positioned to deliver premium content to listeners everywhere. Our mission is simple: to be the world’s leading live audio platform, bringing nonstop, audio experiences to audiences 24/7.”
In addition to Apple Music streams, TuneIn’s app for phones, tablets and smart TVs also offer streaming radio channels from NPR, the BBC, Audacy and iHeart Radio, as well as audio simulcasts of channels like CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC News Now and Sky News.
