Along with the streaming music service, Apple opened the online doors of iTunes Movies and iBooks to customers in China. The service will be rolled out on Android phones this fall.
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Customers in China with a foreign Apple ID, such as from the US, have been able to download music from the companys online store. Launching with millions of songs in its catalog, Apple Music in China features music from artists including Eason Chan, Li Ronghao, JJ Lin and G.E.M., as well as a wide range of worldwide artists including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and many more.
“Customers in China love the App Store and have made it our largest market in the world for app downloads”, said Apple’s Eddy Cue in a statement. Through the app, artists could share backstage photos and videos, share a few lyrics or even release songs from their devices. Fans can also rent or purchase movies from a great selection of Chinese studios as well as Hollywood blockbusters on the iTunes Store®, in addition to enjoying paid and free books from the iBooks Store℠. More to that, Apple found a way to connect artists with their fans.
From Wednesday, users of PC, Macs and iOS devices in China can sign up to a three-month trial membership of Apple Music, after which they will have to pay 10 yuan (US$1.6) subscription fee per month. The family plan will provide service for up to six family members at 15 yuan (AU$3.34) per month. Movies on iTunes will be available starting at 5 yuan for rental in high-definition and 18 yuan to buy new releases in HD, Apple said Wednesday. For the first time, the digital format of Stephenie Meyer’s popular “Twilight” series will be available. Books are practically free at 0.5 RMB (8 cents).
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The announcement comes at a time when the Cupertino-based tech firm has been struggling to reassure shareholders about its business in China, one of the key markets for iPhones, following a recent slump in the country’s economy and the devaluation of the yuan.
