Skip to main content

Is Sony threatening to pull its music content from iTunes?

Sony logo
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As retaliation for snubbing its non-native e-book app, Sony vaguely suggested it may pull its music content from Apple’s iTunes. In an interview with The Age, Sony exec Michael Ephraim indicates that music publishers want to an iTunes alternative, and that perhaps Sony no longer needs to sell Apple its material.

According to the interview, Sony will expand its music streaming service, Music Unlimited, in the near future, as one of those iTunes alternatives music publishers can turn to. Music Unlimited is currently only available in Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK, Ireland, and France. Its forthcoming mobile gaming service will also give users access to first generation PlayStation games, and most likely won’t be offered to iTunes or iPhone users. He takes a dig at Apple’s closed platform, claiming that Sony PlayStation Suite will bring various early PS games to handheld devices, including the Android-based Samsung Galaxy S and Motorola Defy.

Recommended Videos

Apple incited a battle with Sony when it initially rejected Sony’s e-reader app since users didn’t purchase books through its own platform. It then amended this, saying that in order to purchase e-books on iOS devices, it requires customers must have the option of buying them through iTunes.

It seems like the debacle has left a bad taste in Sony’s mouth, and it wants to break free of iTunes’ hold on the mobile market. Talking about Music Unlimited, Ephraim says “If we do [get mass take up] then does Sony Music need to provide content to iTunes? Currently we do. We have to provide it to iTunes as that’s the format right now.” And apparently “right now” means for the next few years. He admits that while Apple has cornered this music streaming for the moment, he notes that “publishers are being held ransom by Apple and they are looking for other delivery systems, and we are waiting to see what the next three to five years will hold.”

If Sony were to actually pull its content from iTunes, it’s difficult to say which company would suffer more. ITunes inarguably needs Sony’s content (which includes the likes of Billy Joel, all Glee titles, and MGMT), but it’s safe to assume that Music Unlimited’s subscription plan and lack of mobile integration isn’t going to gain widespread appeal. In short, it’s a little too late to challenge iTunes at its own game.

But restricting access for its PlayStation Suite service seems like fair retribution for the tightening App Store. While we doubt it’s going to cause anyone to ditch their iPhone, it might sway fanboys torn between that and an Android device. Which might be a tiny victory for Sony in this battle, but it’s probably the best it can get.

Molly McHugh
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
This hidden iOS 16 feature turned my iPhone into the ultimate music discovery gadget
Siri trying to identify a song.

iOS 16 wowed us with some extremely convenient features — including the ability to edit and unsend messages, text extraction from videos, and Passkeys to kiss passwords a warm goodbye. Of course, finally being able to customize an iPhone’s lock screen is what kept most users occupied.
But one feature that flew under the radar was music recognition. To put it more specifically, it is now easier to find all the songs you’ve identified using your iPhone, in one place, with a direct playlist routing to Apple Music as an added bonus.

iOS 16's hidden music discovery feature

Read more
Google Pixel 6a vs. Apple iPhone SE (2022)
Google Pixel 6a

Which almost reasonably priced advanced smartphone will best suit your needs for years to come -- the Google Pixel 6a, first announced at the Google I/O 2022 event, or Apple's iPhone SE, the third incarnation of the compact budget handset, released in March? It's a squeaker.

Based on reviews of both smartphones, we compare key categories to determine a winning phone. Our judgment does not take into account an inherent preference for iOS or Android, or even a preference for a smaller phone, both of which are sure to heavily influence buyers.
Specs

Read more
The best fitness workout accessories for your smartphone
Athletic accessories feat image.

Athletes and civilians alike discovered early how mobile devices could serve as an essential tool for tracking and training. Smartphones assist in countless ways, from playing music to finding the best resources and locations to keep your workout interesting. But they don't always do this alone, and a huge industry has emerged around fitness accessories designed to work alongside your phone to help you achieve optimal results, but also to link, sync, and track data, and get feedback on your performance. Of the many smartphone compatible health and fitness accessories out there, we've pulled together a list of some of the highest-quality devices to help you achieve your fitness goals.
Apple Watch

If you're looking for the best fitness accessory for your iPhone, look no further than the Apple Watch 6 (or Series 5, or SE). As a fitness companion, it has no equal, and even older models of the watch provide all the necessary tools and resources to keep you fit. Health related features include ECG, fall detection, activity tracking, and heart rate alerts. Of course, it also lets you make or take calls, send messages, navigate through your playlists, and stream Apple Music directly from your wrist. The Apple Watch is a great activity tracker with activity rings and data that are easy to interpret and can motivate anyone working to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Read more