Sources close to Apple and its software developers say the tech monstrosity may be launching a new music streaming service as early as this spring.

Sources close to Apple and its software developers say the tech monstrosity may be launching a new music streaming service as early as this spring.

So far only speculation and rumors are available to the public about it, but after Apple acquired Dr. Dre’s Beats Music last year, it was clear the giant wanted in on a piece of the streaming action. And why not, there’s money in them thar hills!

Apparently the service may be released as early as June — at this year’s World Wide Developer’s Conference — and is when music lovers will see if it can compete and revolutionize the way we experience music as a species …

iTunes  — initially launched in 2001 — has seen a dramatic down-shift with the way listeners consume music these past few years. Users are mostly opting for streaming services where they’re not required to purchase anything at all instead of the trial and error method most of us remember with the risk of buying CDs or digital tracks before listening. Because of the trend, Apple is directing some of its focus towards the new streaming paradigm.

In May of last year Apple purchased Dr. Dre and Jimmy Lovine’s music hardware/software company Beats Music for a staggering $3 billion dollars. The new interface from Apple is supposedly going to use a lot of the platform Beats already comes with, but will drop the red/black color foundation for its cleaner and iconic white look.

Bringing in Beats’ programmers and developers is apparently not sitting well with employees, some even snitching to media outlets the acquisition has made a “mess” of the situation and has shot morality down. It’s unlikely a few complaints will stop a bullet train, however, so let’s just assume it’s a go.

But it probably won’t just be another streaming site like others past because Apple won’t be able to make any type of substantial mark that way. Apple presumably figured this out years ago and is building an experience around it rather than just tossing out another forgettable app — like Beats.

To help, Apple reportedly hired on well-known BBC radio DJ Zane Lowe to oversee its music acquisition —  likely to build playlists and bring in exclusive content — and has even posted an ad in its listings page for “an editorial producer with experience across pop culture and a specific expertise in music journalism.”

Which prompts the question: Why doesn’t Apple just ask around to its globally reaching contacts and see if anyone were available to fill the position? Does it really need to beg — a la Craigslist — for the unemployed to send in job applications?

Doubtful, as the listing is probably just a PR move to get the media talking. Because, look, here we are … it works.

It is interesting to think, however, how the company is going to come into a market with so much competition and so little successes. Streaming services abound aren’t making any money, so how will Apple do it any different? Creating a lifestyle surrounding it — as they have with hardware products — is a way to garner loyalty, but the idea has to be fresh and invigorating enough to get people to leave the comfort of one habitual experience for another.

… and humans can’t stand that “new” thing … ugh, yikes, change …

To lure those creatures of habit — according to 9to5Mac — Apple was initially considering offering the subscription service for $5 (well below any other services available), but will more than likely charge $7.99. It’s a price still below competitors and an enticing point to shift people away from their current subscriptions.

Who knows in the end, really, what’s going to go on with companies of this magnitude? They may leak tidbits to the press like these to start a buzz, they may not. It’s hard to say, but expectations should at least be somewhat high considering the company we’re dealing with.

But until it actually happens it’s anybody’s guess. Unless Dre finally returns our texts, of course … s'up Dre?