Apple Acquires Primephonic, Plans Dedicated Classical Music App

Apple has officially acquired Primephonic, the beloved classical music streaming service, signaling a significant move into the classical music arena. The acquisition, finalized on Monday, is accompanied by plans to launch a standalone classical music app sometime in 2022, promising a richer and more tailored experience for classical music enthusiasts.

The news comes as a welcome development for many in the classical music world, who have long sought better digital platforms for discovery and enjoyment. Primephonic, since its inception, has carved a niche for itself with its focus on high-quality audio and detailed metadata, making it a favorite among serious classical music listeners.

Effective immediately, Primephonic has ceased accepting new customers. The service will be temporarily taken offline on September 7th as Apple embarks on the integration process, aiming to blend Primephonic’s unique features into the Apple Music ecosystem and ultimately build a dedicated app.

Apple is keen to reassure Primephonic users that the acquisition will not result in a watered-down version of the service they have come to appreciate. Instead, the company emphasizes its commitment to preserving the essence of Primephonic’s user interface while enriching it with additional functionalities.

According to Apple, the enhanced features will include detailed displays of classical music metadata, a crucial element for classical music aficionados who often seek specific information about recordings, performers, and compositions. Furthermore, improvements to browsing and search capabilities are planned, enabling users to easily navigate the vast repertoire of classical music. Users will be able to search and browse by composer and specific works, such as symphonies, concertos, and operas, making it easier to find exactly what they’re looking for.

The move also strategically aligns with Apple Music’s recent foray into high-fidelity lossless streaming and Spatial Audio. A dedicated classical music experience could be a major selling point for these new features, as classical music benefits significantly from improved audio quality and immersive soundscapes. The nuances of orchestral recordings, chamber music, and solo instrumental pieces can be fully appreciated with lossless audio, while Spatial Audio can recreate the experience of sitting in a concert hall.

Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats, underscored Apple’s respect for classical music and acknowledged Primephonic’s popularity among enthusiasts. He stated that the acquisition will bring "great new classical features" to Apple Music, with the ultimate goal of delivering "a dedicated classical experience that will truly be the best in the world."

Thomas Steffens, Primephonic’s co-founder and CEO, hailed the acquisition as a "tremendous development for the classical music industry." He believes that joining forces with Apple will help further Primephonic’s mission of making classical music accessible to a global audience. He emphasized the positive reception from artists, recognizing the value Primephonic has brought to the classical music world, and expressed excitement about the opportunity to reach millions of listeners through Apple’s platform.

Steffens envisions the collaboration as a way to "bring classical music to the mainstream" and connect a new generation of musicians with a new generation of audience. This suggests a focus on initiatives that will promote classical music to younger listeners and showcase contemporary classical artists.

Primephonic has posted a note on its website informing existing subscribers that they are eligible for a prorated refund for the service. As a gesture of goodwill, they will also receive a complimentary six-month trial of Apple Music. This is aimed at easing the transition for Primephonic users and encouraging them to explore the wider offerings of Apple’s streaming service.

The acquisition of Primephonic underscores Apple’s commitment to expanding its presence in the music streaming market and catering to diverse musical tastes. While Apple Music has a vast catalog of popular music genres, the addition of a dedicated classical music platform positions it as a more comprehensive and attractive option for music lovers of all kinds.

This move also reflects a growing recognition of the enduring appeal and cultural significance of classical music. Despite the dominance of pop and other contemporary genres, classical music continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, and there is a demand for services that cater specifically to its unique characteristics and requirements.

The success of Apple’s venture into classical music will depend on its ability to effectively integrate Primephonic’s expertise and features into its existing platform. It will also require a continued commitment to high-quality audio, accurate metadata, and user-friendly navigation. If Apple can deliver on these promises, it has the potential to become a leading destination for classical music streaming, connecting millions of listeners with the timeless beauty and power of this art form. The classical music community awaits the launch of the dedicated app with anticipation, hoping it will be a game-changer for how classical music is enjoyed in the digital age.