Spotify vs Apple Music: A UX Showdown

🎧 Apple Music vs Spotify on iPhone: A Year-Long User Experience Showdown 🎧 After a full year using both AppleMusic and Spotify on my iPhone, my verdict might surprise you. Even though @AppleMusic is loaded with features—advanced audio mix controls, lossless quality, super smooth iOS integration—I keep coming back to Spotify. Why? It all comes down to the experience and those unbeatable music suggestions. Apple Music: The sound quality is next level. The interface is clean, polished, and you get that premium Apple feel. Special features like spatial audio really raise the bar for audiophiles. Spotify: This is where music discovery feels magical! The recommendation engine, daily mixes, and effortless playlist creation always seem to know exactly what I want to hear next. The smooth design and tiny UX touches keep me hooked. Here’s what I find fascinating: Even with Apple Music’s stacked feature set, so many iPhone users (myself included!) stick with Spotify—not for the features, but for the experience. 🔑 Key takeaway: - More features don’t always mean more users. - Intuitive, delightful design and spot-on personalisation are what keep people loyal. Which music app has truly won you over—and what’s the main reason? 👇 Share your thoughts in the comments!

Spotify Collaborates with Sony, Universal, and Warner to Innovate AI Solutions https://lnkd.in/giQUDSPi Spotify Teams Up with Major Labels: Pioneering Responsible AI in Music In an exciting move for the music industry, Spotify has partnered with the big three record companies—Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music—alongside Merlin and Believe. This collaboration aims to develop innovative yet responsible AI products that put artists and songwriters front and center. Key Highlights: Spotify is making significant investments in AI research and product development. The initiative focuses on four key areas: Collaborating with labels for artist-friendly solutions. Offering opt-in generative music tools for creators. Establishing new revenue streams through AI. Strengthening artist-fan connections with AI tools. Leaders from major labels emphasize the importance of copyright and direct licensing for fostering innovation. As AI continues to reshape the music landscape, the industry acknowledges that it must adapt to protect artists' rights. Let’s engage in this revolution! Share your thoughts and join the conversation on the future of AI in music! Source link https://lnkd.in/giQUDSPi

The music industry just made a move that changes everything. Spotify didn't just announce another AI feature—they got Sony, Universal, Warner, and other major labels to actually partner with them on AI music development. This is huge. Here's why: For years, the music industry has been fighting AI tooth and nail. Labels sued AI companies left and right. Artists worried about being replaced by algorithms. The whole industry seemed headed for an AI war. But Spotify just flipped the script. Instead of building AI music tools in isolation, they brought the entire industry to the table. Four key principles are driving this partnership: → Record labels get a seat at the decision-making table → Artists can choose whether to participate or opt out → Fair compensation structures are built into the system → AI enhances artist-fan connections rather than replacing them The result? Spotify removed 75 million spammy AI tracks while simultaneously investing in legitimate AI research with industry backing. This isn't just about music—it's a masterclass in how to introduce disruptive technology: Don't fight the incumbents. Partner with them. Don't replace human creativity. Amplify it. Don't ignore ethical concerns. Build solutions around them. The companies that survive AI disruption won't be the ones with the best technology. They'll be the ones who figure out how to make everyone win. What industry do you think needs this kind of collaborative AI approach next?

Spotify just announced a groundbreaking collaboration with major labels and independent music companies to build a new wave of AI powered music tools designed with one clear mission: to empower artists. This move includes partnerships with Sony Music Group, Universal, Warner, Merlin, and Believe, uniting the biggest names in the industry to ensure AI innovation happens with creators not without them. As AI rapidly reshapes how we create, distribute, and experience music, Spotify’s “artist first” approach is setting a new standard. The goal? To make sure technology enhances human creativity, rather than replacing it. Here’s what makes this move powerful: - Artists will choose if and how their music is used in AI projects. - New tools will open up fresh revenue streams and fair compensation. - AI products will be built through licensed partnerships not imitation. - Most importantly, it strengthens the bond between creators and fans. Spotify isn’t just experimenting with AI DJs and personalized playlists anymore. It’s building a foundation for responsible innovation one where artistry, ownership, and ethics lead the conversation. For musicians, producers, and industry leaders, this could redefine how we think about technology and creativity. The message is clear: AI isn’t replacing artists, it’s amplifying them. Check out the full article below: https://lnkd.in/e8jdSyDG #spotify #musicindustry

In this fireside chat, Apple Music’s Ole Obermann and Mitch Glazier, CEO of Recording Industry Association of America®, discussed how the music industry continues to evolve around its core mission, connecting fans to music. Obermann reflected on his career from the CD era to TikTok, emphasizing that every major technological shift — downloads, streaming, short-form video — has revolved around how listeners discover and emotionally connect with artists. He noted that Apple Music’s DNA remains rooted in this idea, blending human curation, algorithms, and immersive formats like Spatial Audio to help users rediscover the joy of finding new music and deepening relationships with creators. Looking ahead, Obermann described Apple’s strategy for the next generation as focused on innovation that strengthens artist-fan-discovery connections, not just utility. He pointed to global market growth and richer creative formats as key opportunities but cautioned that the industry’s biggest challenge is the abundance of free music online, which risks devaluing art. For Apple, the goal is to build a sustainable ecosystem where music’s value and the bond between artists and fans endures. Words by Joowon P.

Alexa + Comes to the Amazon Music App with Conversational AI for Smarter Music Discovery Amazon has integrated its upgraded assistant, Alexa +, into the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android. Available to users with Alexa + Early Access, the feature introduces conversational-style interactions, so you can ask for deep insights like, “Which song plays at the opening credits of The Sopranos?”, or request curated playlists such as “2010s hits that keep me moving fast, starting with a Nicki Minaj track.” Notably, Amazon noted that users interacting with Alexa + are exploring songs three times more and listening to nearly 70% more music compared to the standard assistant. With music streaming companies racing to deepen engagement, Amazon’s move reinforces its push to make discovery more intuitive and rooted in AI-driven dialogue. #TOAINews2025 #AmazonMusic #AlexaPlus #ConversationalAI #StreamingInnovation #MusicDiscovery #GenerativeAI #TechUpdate

#snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking Apple Music: Revolutionizing the Way We Listen to Music Introduction Apple Music is a music streaming service developed by Apple Inc., launched on June 30, 2015. It allows users to stream millions of songs, create playlists, download music for offline listening, and discover new artists — all from one app. Available on iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows, it has become one of the leading platforms in the global music industry. Features of Apple Music 1. Vast Music Library: Apple Music offers access to over 100 million songs, covering every genre and language, making it one of the largest collections in the world. 2. Personalized Recommendations: The service uses algorithms and expert curation to recommend music based on a user’s taste and listening habits. 3. Offline Listening: Users can download their favorite tracks and listen to them without an internet connection. 4. Exclusive Content: Apple often collaborates with artists to release exclusive albums, live performances, and interviews. 5. Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Apple Music works seamlessly with Siri, Apple Watch, CarPlay, and HomePod, providing a smooth experience across devices. 6. Spatial Audio and Lossless Quality: Apple Music supports Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio, giving listeners studio-quality sound and an immersive experience. Subscription Plans Apple Music offers several plans: Individual Plan – For one user. Family Plan – For up to six members using Family Sharing. Student Plan – Discounted rate for verified college students. Voice Plan – Controlled entirely through Siri for hands-free use. Impact on the Music Industry Apple Music has played a major role in shifting the music industry from downloads to streaming. It helps artists reach global audiences while offering fairer royalty payments. Its curated playlists and exclusive releases also help promote new talented. Conclusion Apple Music has transformed how people discover and enjoy music. With its high-quality sound, personalized experience, and tight integration across Apple devices, it remains a top choice for millions of listeners worldwide. As technology evolves, Apple Music continues to set new standards in the world of digital entertainment.

Spotify Says It's Working With Labels On 'Responsible' AI Music Tools: Spotify has officially partnered with major record labels to create a "responsible AI" initiative aimed at developing generative music tools that supposedly benefit both artists and fans. While Spotify promises choice, transparency, and fair compensation, the vague announcement has many skeptics wondering if "responsible AI" is just another remix of old industry power plays set to a new algorithmic beat. The Verge reports: Spotify didn't detail any specific products in the works but said it was building a "state-of-the-art generative AI research lab and product team focused on developing technologies that reflect our principles and create breakthrough experiences for fans and artists." Most of the press release is dedicated to vagaries and laying out the principles that will guide Spotify's generative AI projects: [partnerships with record labels, distributors, and music publishers; choice in participation; fair compensation and new revenue; and artist-fan connection.] Read more of this story at Slashdot.

AI music platform Suno just hit $150M ARR. That’s 4× growth in just 12 months. Here’s what this means for the AI music industry 👇 For context: Suno is an AI music platform that lets anyone create full songs, lyrics, and vocals from a single prompt. In one year, it has nearly 4x to $150M ARR with margins above 60%. And with 44M monthly website visits (SimilarWeb) and over 5M paying users (estimated as per current ARR), it is building real retention. This is product-market fit at scale and makes Suno one of the fastest-growing consumer AI apps since ChatGPT. Here’s what this signals for the industry: • Revenue is moving from labels to platforms • Creativity is moving from professionals to everyone • Ownership models will need to be rebuilt Suno is also in talks with major record labels to settle copyright disputes. Once finalized, those licensing deals could make it the first fully compliant AI music platform. Why it matters: > AI music is entering mainstream adoption > There is now proof of scale and monetization > Strategic buyers are positioning around audio The M&A signals are clear: → Spotify is building AI voice and moderation tools → OpenAI is moving into multimedia creation with Sora All are chasing the same goal: control over the next interface of human-AI interaction. That interface is sound. ----- Our team at FE International is more bullish than ever on the rise of AI-first businesses. If you're a founder curious about your company’s true value, get a free valuation. (Link in comments) 👇

Apple Expands Music Experience With iOS 26.1 AirPlay Upgrade A Smarter, Seamless Listening Experience Apple’s latest iOS 26.1 update takes the Apple Music listening experience to new heights by extending the DJ-style AutoMix feature to AirPlay. Listeners can now enjoy smooth, beat-matched song transitions not only on their iPhones or AirPods, but across HomePods and other AirPlay-enabled speakers, creating a continuous and immersive sound experience throughout the home. What’s New in iOS 26.1 • AutoMix over AirPlay – Previously limited to local playback, AutoMix now works when streaming to AirPlay speakers, offering uninterrupted transitions between tracks. • HomePod Compatibility – Following the HomePod 26 software update that introduced Crossfade, AutoMix integration now enhances synchronized playback across Apple’s ecosystem. • Enhanced Music Navigation – iOS 26.1 adds a swipe gesture for quickly switching songs, improving ease of control while listening. Why It Matters Apple’s incremental innovation reinforces its strategy to blend smart software features with hardware continuity. By extending AutoMix to AirPlay, Apple bridges the gap between portable and in-home listening, advancing its vision for a fully connected music environment. While subtle, these updates further entrench Apple Music as a lifestyle experience rather than just a streaming platform—one that delivers precision, personalization, and polish. For music enthusiasts and audiophiles alike, iOS 26.1 represents another step toward frictionless listening—where your soundtrack simply flows, wherever you are. I share daily insights with 32,000+ followers and 11,000+ professional contacts across defense, tech, and policy. If this topic resonates, I invite you to connect and continue the conversation. Keith King https://lnkd.in/gHPvUttw