We’ve reported extensively on what Apple has in store for its new revamped music service that will come alongside an international expansion of iTunes Radio, and today reports from Russian publication Vedomosti (via Billboard) hint that Russia will be one market Apple is aiming to launch in soon…
The business daily Vedomosti quoted sources at several leading Russian record labels as saying that Russia is going to be among the first countries where Apple will launch its music service, and negotiations with local labels about expanding digital rights to streaming are in progress.
It isn’t clear exactly what the negotiations are for — Apple’s revamped music streaming service that we reported will build on top of the functionality found in the current Beats Music app, or the international expansion of iTunes Radio, which is currently only available in the U.S. and Australia. We reported earlier this month that the new on-demand streaming service will likely be called “Apple Music” and come alongside an international expansion for iTunes Radio.
Apple is currently planning to launch the new Apple Music service at its Worldwide Developers Conference Kickoff keynote on Monday, June 8th.
