Apple to drop Beats name, integrate into iTunes and then undercut Spotify by up to $5

Nine months after acquiring Beats Music, it seems Apple is about to give birth to a totally new music streaming service, killing off the Beats name.

According to 9to5Mac, the yet-to-be-named service is totally Apple designed will be integrated into iOS, iTunes and Apple TV, taking the place of the existing Beats Music app for iPhone.

The service will be based around the user’s existing music library, 9to5Mac‘s sources say, with users able to stream music they haven’t purchased from the iTunes/Beats catalogue. They will also be able to add any songs they particularly like to their personal libraries.

When it’s eventually launched, the product will be more than just iTunes streaming, though, with Beats’ Music Playlists, Activities and Mixes features being integrated, giving users access to numerous playlists tailored to different activities, both automatically generated and made by people.

9to5Mac also claims Apple will update Beats’ social networking features meaning users will be able to follow each other and artists, which, as the website points out, is rather reminiscent of iTunes Ping, which lasted just two years before being shut down due to lack of interest.

While rumour indicates the Beats/iTunes service will enter the market in June, there’s still no official launch date. However, when it does finally arrive, it’s set to be the most affordable major streaming service on the market, costing an expected $5-$8 per month in the US, as opposed to the $10 charged for Google Play Music, Rdio Premium, Spotify Premium and even Beats music as it currently exists. Whether or not this will be enough to tempt people onto the service, though, remains to be seen.