Apple is adding some new services into its iCloud+ cloud-storage subscription in more than 100 countries around the world, including a taster tier for Apple Music.
The changes were announced in the individual countries: here’s the press release for Mozambique for example. The subscription now includes full access to Apple TV and Apple Arcade (Apple’s gaming service).
As for music, iCloud+ subscribers WON’T get full access to Apple Music. What they’re getting is ‘Apple Music Select’.
The company described this as “a collection of ad-free stations programmed by Apple Music for lean-back listening, offering a wide range of regionally relevant music to enjoy, as well as Top Songs, 80s, 90s, and more”.
iCloud+ subscribers will also be able to upgrade to the full Apple Music service for a discounted monthly price. So, this isn’t a ‘free’ tier for Apple Music (since iCloud+ is a paid subscription), but it is a potentially-powerful new funnel to drive music subscriptions.
The offer is rolling out to more than 100 countries, but there are some key omissions from the list: the US, UK and major European and Scandinavian countries for example. It thus feels like a move focused on high-potential and growing markets: India being one prominent example that is included.
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