Spotify readies iPhone app

Streaming music service Spotify has submitted an iPhone app to Apple and stated that its mobile service should be available “in the next few weeks”.

Monday, 27 July 2009

In support of the announcement, Spotify posted a YouTube demo video explaining how the iPhone app will work.



The music streaming firm also outlined further details about the app, most notably that it will only be available to premium users. Spotify has long been keen to drive take up of premium subscriptions to its service, as explained by sales director Jon Mitchell at a recent Chinwag debate.

Another key feature of the Spotify app is that it will work in an offline mode that allows users to temporarily cache playlists to their phone for use when they have no internet connection. This will allow users to use the app on the underground for example.

Spotify’s announcement follows the release of Last.FM’s iPhone app. Despite this, some industry observers have been keen to point out that Apple may be reluctant to allow the app as it could potentially compete with iTunes.

Daniel Ek, chief executive and co-founder of Spotify, was keen to quash such speculation, stating: “We have a great relationship with Apple, think the iPhone is awesome and absolutely expect them to approve our app in the next few weeks.

"Apple has already approved several other music services such as Lastfm, Deezer and Pandora. We very much look forward to people being able to access their Spotify library wherever they might be and we've spent significant time and resources to ensure we've stuck to Apple's developer guidelines point by point.”

Follow the IAB on Twitter