Apple releases iTunes Radio in Australia

Tech giant Apple has released its iTunes Radio and iTunes Match internet radio services in Australia.

iTunes Radio is an ad-supported version of the company’s internet radio offering, with songs interrupted by occasional ad breaks, while iTunes Match is an ad-free version costing users $24.99 a year.

Apple promises up to 100 stations will be available through the services, including featured stations curated by Apple and genre specific stations.

Both services will be available across a range of Apple devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and Apple TV, as well as PCs with iTunes.

In a statement, the company says the services will also adapt based on the music users play in iTunes and store in iCloud.

“iTunes Radio evolves based on the music you play and download. The more you use iTunes Radio and iTunes, the more it knows what you like to listen to and the more personalised your experience becomes.

“iTunes Radio also gives you access to exclusive ‘First Play’ premieres from top selling artists, plus the ability to tag or buy anything you hear with just one click.”

The new services launch into an increasingly crowded streaming audio and online radio market, where it faces intense competition from services such as Pandora and Spotify.