Apple Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with digital radio platform TuneIn to expand access to its curated Apple Music radio stations across a global network of devices and platforms. This marks the first time Apple Music’s six commercial-free live radio stations will be available outside of Apple’s proprietary app, significantly broadening its reach amid intensifying competition in the music streaming industry.
Starting August 27, 2025, Apple Music’s live radio stations—Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, Apple Music Country, Apple Música Uno, Apple Music Club, and Apple Music Chill—are now accessible via TuneIn’s platform, which boasts over 75 million monthly active users worldwide. This partnership enables listeners to stream Apple Music radio content across a wide array of connected devices including smart speakers, headphones, automobiles, and mobile apps.
The move reflects Apple’s renewed focus on enhancing its radio offerings as a key differentiator in a market dominated by rivals such as Spotify, which has recently expanded into podcasts, video content, and interactive social features. According to market research from MIDiA, Apple’s share of digital music subscribers in the U.S. fell from 30% to 25% in recent years, while Spotify’s market share grew, highlighting the urgency for Apple to innovate and diversify its content distribution strategy.
Rachel Newman, co-head of Apple Music, emphasized the importance of this partnership: “Apple Music Radio has always been about connection, artists sharing their music, and their stories in real time. 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.”
TuneIn’s CEO, Rich Stern, added that the collaboration reinforces TuneIn’s position as a leading global live audio platform. “With deep integrations across connected devices and vehicles, TuneIn is uniquely positioned to deliver premium audio experiences to listeners worldwide,” he said.
This integration not only makes Apple’s live radio programming more accessible but also serves as a strategic attempt to reclaim market share by delivering a curated, artist-driven experience beyond the confines of the Apple Music app. While Apple Music subscribers continue to have exclusive access to algorithmically personalized stations, the free live radio streams on TuneIn could draw new listeners and encourage conversion to paid subscriptions.
Looking forward, the partnership signals Apple’s broader ambition to blend its commitment to curated content with expansive accessibility, challenging competitors by offering a rich audio ecosystem that combines traditional radio’s charm with digital convenience.
