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RIP Free iTunes Radio

The sole exception is the Beats 1 station, which is still available to iTunes users everywhere. Trying to make new radio stations, or listen to those you already made, shows the Apple Music signup option instead.

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If you’re a user looking for a good music streaming service, and happen to be in the ownership of an iOS device or a Mac, then we highly recommend giving Cupertino’s streaming service a shot.

The streaming Internet stations are still available, but now require an Apple Music subscription. The latter will still be accessible to users without an Apple Music subscription.

Although the stations are not entirely gone, if users want to access them again they will need to pay $9.99 for the Apple Music streaming subscription service. The day has arrived, and the iTunes Radio service is no longer a free affair, until or unless you become a paying Apple Music subscriber.

Even users who are in possession of iTunes Match subscriptions have been herded out of iTunes Radio. But with the decision to disband its in-house iAd team on January 13, the ad-supported service quickly followed down the same path. ITunes radio launched alongside the release of iTunes 11.1 and iOS 7 in 2013, featuring music streaming stations based on genres or custom stations.

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Apple Music has been continually growing for the past few months, and this move will undoubtedly lure more users into opting for the service.

Apple Ceases Free iTunes Radio Streaming Worldwide