Apple Music brings streaming into the iPhone ecosystem

Apple has announced Apple Music, combining a streaming catalog with playlists, a 24-hour radio station and a social channel for artists. The service is scheduled to begin on June 30 and will sit alongside music customers already keep in iTunes.

The design reflects Apple’s existing relationship with music buyers. The service can reach iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC users through familiar software and accounts. It also makes discovery a central part of listening, with human curation alongside the ability to choose an album directly.

Apple is entering a crowded subscription market with a service built around curation and integration. The launch will test whether convenience and editorial voice can move existing customers from downloads to streams.