Apple finalizes acquisition of Shazam, plans to release ad-free version
After almost one full year of buyer’s anticipation, Apple has at last finalized its $400 million dollar acquisition of music-identification application Shazam and is now setting its sights on what the future of Shazam might look like under Apple’s ownership. Apple announced its plan to release an ad-free version of Shazam in a press release immediately following the tech giant’s completion of purchase. Apple will reportedly also continue to run the Android edition of the application. “Apple and Shazam have a long history together. Shazam was one of the first apps available when we launched the App Store and has become a favorite app for music fans everywhere,” said Apple’s vice president of Apple Music, Oliver Schusser. “With a shared love of music and innovation, we are thrilled to bring our teams together to provide users even more great ways to discover, experience and enjoy music.”
A European Union-enacted investigation originally stalled Apple’s ability to complete the transaction, after a group of European countries including Austria, France, and Spain expressed concern that the tech goliath could endanger fellow competitors in the streaming service market if Apple were to use Shazam as a vehicle for the presentation of new features that would function in tandem with their rapidly growing streaming platform. The EU ultimately permitted Apple to move forward with the acquisition of Shazam after determining that Apple’s attainment of the music-identification application would not reduce market competition.
H/T: Pitchfork
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