China excluded from Apple Music launch; Hong Kong priced 40pc lower than US

Reading Time:2 minutes

Apple CEO Tim Cook (left) announced the service at an annual developers' conference in San Francisco last month. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:30pm, 1 Jul 2015Updated: 7:36pm, 2 Jul 2015

After months of hype and contract negotiations with labels and artists, Apple has jumped into the increasingly competitive music streaming market by releasing Apple Music in 100 countries and territories. Notably, mainland China was left off the list.

The service is included in iOS 8.4, the latest version of the iPhone and iPad operating system that was rolled out to customers around the world on Tuesday night.

In addition to on-demand live music streaming, it combines Beats 1, an around-the-clock radio service. Early reports suggested some teething problems, however, with Beats 1 apparently going down for 30 minutes within eight hours of launch.

Apple Music has also taken flak from US singers like Taylor Swift over its plans related to the service.

It is available in Hong Kong and Taiwan, but Apple fans in cities from Guangzhou to Beijing, Shanghai and Dalian in northern Liaoning province may feel frustrated as mainland China was not included on the list posted on Apple's official website, despite early reports that China would be involved.

On a monthly basis, the service costs HK$48 (US$6.20) for an individual membership or HK$78 for a family deal supporting up to six devices.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x