Taylor Swift vs Apple: The Music Change
- Ten years after its debut, the launch of Apple Music remains a landmark moment, shaped in part by an unexpected advocate: Taylor Swift.
- Apple's foray into streaming began with its $3 billion acquisition of Beats, motivated by the popularity of Beats Music.
- However, just before Apple Music's June 30 launch, Swift publicly criticized Apple's decision not to pay artists during the service's three-month free trial period.
Taylor Swift’s Role in Apple Music Launch Remembered
Updated June 18, 2025
Ten years after its debut, the launch of Apple Music remains a landmark moment, shaped in part by an unexpected advocate: Taylor Swift. As apple prepared to enter the streaming market, a dispute over artist compensation threatened to derail its plans.
Apple’s foray into streaming began with its $3 billion acquisition of Beats, motivated by the popularity of Beats Music. The move aimed to propel apple into the streaming era, building upon its earlier successes with the iPod and iTunes.
However, just before Apple Music’s June 30 launch, Swift publicly criticized Apple’s decision not to pay artists during the service’s three-month free trial period. She announced she would withhold her album “1989” from the platform.
Swift argued, “We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”
The public pressure quickly mounted. Apple, seeking to position itself as artist-pleasant, reconsidered its policy.Eddy Cue, apple’s services boss, announced via Twitter that Apple would indeed pay artists during the free trial.
Apple will always make sure that artist are paid #iTunes #AppleMusic
Cue added, “#applemusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period. We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”
Swift then reversed her decision, making “1989” available on Apple Music. Her role in the negotiation was widely applauded,averting a potential crisis for the tech giant.
What’s next
The resolution paved the way for Apple Music’s prosperous entry into the streaming market, demonstrating the notable role artists can play in shaping industry practices.