Is iTunes Headed For a “Cloud” Based Model?
The Apple rumor mill is again aflutter with the potential of an imminent subscription, or “cloud”, based plan that would allow users to stream music across multiple devices. This would involve the music they own, but could also involve new music. This particular rumor has been around for a few years now.
With more and more users accessing their music on more and more devices, this could make sense. I access my music from an iPod, iPhone and Macbook Pro. I would enjoy being able to wirelessly sync my music to each device. The big caveat, however, is cost. I’m already paying $35 per month for my iPhone data and texting plan. I doubt I would pay any amount extra just to access my own music. What could really attract potential customers to such a service would be inclusion of a certain amount of downloads that would be included. Then people would have a reason to buy. There would be something tangible they would be getting for their monthly fee.
Who knows what will actually happen, but the hypothetical is interesting to discuss nonetheless.