Apple is set to unveil a massive overhaul of Apple Music at the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
The news has been reported by Bloomberg which cites an unnamed source, who describes the music streaming service’s mediocre reception and the departure of a handful of key music executives at Apple as the reasons for the changes.
It’s believed that the key alterations will happen to the user interface of the service, responding to criticism that it’s not particularly intuitive. Apple will also work on the integration of its streaming and download businesses, as well as building on its online radio offerings, says the source.
The launch of Apple Music one year ago caused some friction internally at Apple, with many key execs questioning whether the quality of the internet service could match that of Apple’s celebrated hardware products.
However, the service is moving forward under new leadership. A shakeup now see’s Apple Music overseen by Robert Kondrk, Apple’s content head, alongside Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor. It’s also expected that Apple’s design guru Jony Ive’s team will provide input as well as Jimmy Iovine, who was brought to Apple after its acquisition of Beats in 2014. As senior vice president of Internet services, Eddy Cue will also get a say.
For a more in depth analysis of Apple Music’s progress, the internal frictions and a wider look at the streaming industry Apple’s trying to find its place in, it’s certainly worth reading the full analysis from Bloomberg.