News

Analysis and updates from the world of high‑resolution and digital audio.

Stay up to date with developments in high‑resolution audio, music streaming, internet radio, and digital distribution. Our News section blends timely updates with analysis of the trends shaping how we listen — from new codec standards and platform rollouts to artist‑focused innovations.

You’ll also find commentary on streaming economics, audio quality debates, and the evolving landscape of lossless and immersive formats.

New features available in Apple Music with iOS 26

Apple Music in iOS 26: smarter, more seamless & more immersive

25/09/2025

What’s New in Apple Music iOS26 With iOS 26, Apple is pushing its streaming service deeper into Apple Intelligence, creative performance, and immersive visuals. The latest update brings AutoMix, lyrics and immersive upgrades to enhance your listening experience. Here are the major additions: Real-time Lyric Translation: with pronunciation guides for karaoke nights and easier sing-alongs. AutoMix: DJ‑style transitions between songs, including beat‑matching and crossfade, for smoother playlists. Animated Album Art: Album artwork becomes immersive and interactive […]

Spotify’s free tier gets a big upgrade

24/09/2025

Spotify has rolled out a set of major features to users of its free, ad-supported tier globally. These updates give free users more control and flexibility over what they listen to. Key new features Pick & Play: choose and play specific tracks from any playlist or album. Search & Play: search for any track and play it on demand. Share & Play: tap a shared link and listen instantly. Playlist Cover Customisation: design or customise […]

Europe’s Music Market Hits €5.7Bn in 2025 as streaming surges

24/09/2025

Solid Growth, Strong Position The new Music in the EU 2025 report published by IFPI shows recorded music revenues across the European Union reached €5.7Bn in the latest period, up 9.1% compared to the same period last year. That growth rate outpaced the US and exceeded the combined gains of the US, China, and Brazil. The EU now makes up more than one-fifth of global revenues, underlining its role as a growth engine for the […]

Amazon Music launches Weekly Vibe

24/09/2025

What is Weekly Vibe? Weekly Vibe is Amazon Music’s latest AI-driven playlist tool. Rolled out in the US across all subscription tiers (including Free, Prime, and Unlimited), it delivers a personalised playlist every Monday. The playlist uses your recent listening history — moods, genres, and favourites — to create something that feels both familiar and fresh. Currently only available in the US, it is unclear if—or when—the feature will roll out internationally, or what form […]

Spain’s music market up 10.4% in H1 2025

23/09/2025

H1 2025 Snapshot Recorded music revenue in Spain rose to €162.6 million (industry value) in the first half of 2025, up 10.4% year-on-year according to Promusicae, the Spanish recorded music industry association. At retail value, consumer spending was approximately €288.8 million. Streaming and Digital Streaming continues to dominate Spain’s music market, accounting for 88.6% of total revenues. Overall streaming revenue reached €144.2 million, up 10.2% compared to H1 2024. Paid subscriptions grew strongly, rising 18.9% to […]

CarPlay & Android Auto listening grows in the US

23/09/2025

Connected Dashboards Growing As of Q2 2025, just over one-third of Americans (13+) have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in their primary vehicle, according to Edison Research’s Share of Ear survey. Among those who have that tech and have driven in the past month, 83% use it regularly. What Drivers Are Listening To Even with CarPlay or Android Auto, AM/FM radio leads Among US drivers with CarPlay or Android Auto, 47% of in-car listening still […]

US music hits $5.6Bn in H1 2025

22/09/2025

According to the RIAA Mid-Year 2025 Report, US recorded music revenue across all formats hit $5.6Bn in the first half of 2025. That’s up just 0.9% year-on-year, showing growth — but a much smaller increase than in recent years. Key Trends & Figures Streaming dominates: Total streaming revenue was $4.68Bn, about 84% of all music revenue. Paid subscriptions up: Premium accounts rose 6.4% to 105.3 million. Subscription revenue grew 5.7%. Physical formats slipping: Physical music […]