Apple has renamed its popular Beats 1 radio station to Apple Music 1 and introduced two new stations designed to appease pop music and country music fans.
Led by presenters including Zane Lowe, Ebro Darden, Brooke Reese, Dotty, Hanuman Welch, Matt Wilkinson, Nadeska, Rebecca Judd, and Travis Mills, Apple Music 1 will continue where Beats 1 left off, alongside new shows from J Balvin and Lady Gaga.
Speaking of the name change, Zane Lowe, Apple Music’s global creative director, and host, said: “Apple Music is home — it’s home to artists, it’s home to fans, and it’s home to incredible music. I’m an obsessive music nerd. I love searching for the most exciting new artists and playing them right alongside the most essential, established artists of our time because great music does not know the difference and Apple Music fans just want to hear great music. That’s what Apple Music radio is all about.”
Alongside the rename, Apple has introduced Apple Music Hits, which will play the biggest songs from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, alongside new shows from notable artists and hosts.
Apple has confirmed that Jayde Donovan, Estelle, Lowkey, Jenn Marino, Sabi, Nicole Sky and Natalie Sky, George Stroumboulopoulos (“House of Strombo”), and Ari Melber will head the new station, whilst stars such as Backstreet Boys, Ciara, Mark Hoppus, Huey Lewis, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, Meghan Trainor, Shania Twain, and more will pop in for exclusive sessions.
Apple Music Country, on the other hand, will be the “definitive place for every lane of an increasingly diverse genre,” with stars such as Kelleigh Bannen, Ty Bentli, Bree, Alecia Davis, Ward Guenther, Nada, and Tiera signing up as on-air hosts.
Are you excited to listen to the new stations? Will you miss the Beats branding? Let us know what you think and check back for more news and rumors on everything Apple, every week.