Apple has acquired the classical music streaming service Primephonic. According to a press statement, Apple Music subscribers ‘will get a significantly improved classical music experience beginning with Primephonic playlists and exclusive audio content. In the coming months, Apple Music Classical fans will get a dedicated experience with the best features of Primephonic, including better browsing and search capabilities by composer and by repertoire, detailed displays of classical music metadata, plus new features and benefits.’ Existing Primephonic users, meanwhile, will now have access to Apple Music’s extensive classical catalogue, all in Lossless and high-resolution audio, as well as hundreds of classical albums in Apple Music’s growing Spatial Audio format.

‘We love and have a deep respect for classical music, and Primephonic has become a fan favorite for classical enthusiasts,’ Oliver Schusser, Apple’s Vice President of Apple Music and Beats said. ‘Together, we’re bringing great new classical features to Apple Music, and in the near future, we’ll deliver a dedicated classical experience that will truly be the best in the world.'

‘Bringing the best of Primephonic to Apple Music subscribers is a tremendous development for the classical music industry,' said Thomas Steffens, Primephonic’s co-founder and CEO. ‘Artists love the Primephonic service and what we’ve done in classical, and now we have the ability to join with Apple to deliver the absolute best experience to millions of listeners. We get to bring classical music to the mainstream and connect a new generation of musicians with the next generation of audience.'

Primephonic, which was founded in 2014, has ceased accepting new subscribers and existing users will receive six months of Apple Music for free. The site will cease to operate after September 7.

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