3 Apple Music Release Date Tips

For years, Apple, makers of the iPhone, iPad, iPod and iTunes, were the dominant force in music. It was Apple that nailed the right mix of user experience and cheap pricing for digital downloads. It was iTunes that offered a one-stop shop for all kinds of different media. Apple made a very conscious decision to stay out of subscription music. It seems, the company didn’t think people would be comfortable with leasing their music. Now we have Apple Music, a subscription service and digital radio system that could very well eclipse Spotify, Xbox Music and more.

Here’s what you need to know ahead of the Apple Music release on Tuesday, June 30th, and how you can get Apple Music for free.

What Is Apple Music?

Apple Music is pretty hard to describe in a single sentence. All told, the service is launching with a bunch of different moving parts.

First there’s Apple’s new service is also a social network. Apple is finally acknowledging that discovering new music isn’t something you always do on your own. As such, Apple Music has some built-in social networking features. Called Connect, Apple Music lets users follow their favorite artists for the latest in updates, news and music samples. Apple says that Connect will give Apple Music subscribers “candid” access to their favorite artists. Any artists with a Connect account can add songs and videos to their Apple Music Connect profile for their fans.