Apple aims to become online music powerhouse

San Francisco

 Apple is making its play to shake up online music with a subscription service combining on-demand songs, streamed playlists and a social stage for musicians.

 The new Apple Music -- which could be a powerful rival to online services such as Spotify, Pandora and Jay Z's fledgling Tidal -- will launch June 30 in 100 countries.

 It will initially be available to consumers with Apple devices and later this year to those using Android -- a shift for Apple, which aims to attract customers from the rival mobile system dominant around the world.

 "This will be the first Apple-branded app or service to reach Android and is a strategic shift for Apple in its approach to the main rival smartphone platform," said IHS Technology head of mobile analysis Ian Fogg.

 Apple has traditionally limited popular services or content to its own devices, keeping people in its "eco-system" and promoting sales of its hardware.

 Opening Apple Music to rival mobile phones or tablets could signal that the iconic company is out to create a stand-alone platform to dominate the way music is listened to in the age of streaming digital content, according to analysts.

 Chief executive Tim Cook announced Apple Music service on Monday, boasting that it "will change the way you experience music forever."

 The service will be available for $9.99 per month, with a family plan for up to six people at $14.99.

 "Apple Music is really going to move the needle for fans and artists," said Apple's Jimmy Iovine, who came to the California tech giant when it purchased Beats Music.

 "All the ways you love music, all in one place."