After Apple Music launched a few weeks back, some users ran into a glitch that caused DRM-free iTunes Match songs to be mistakenly locked behind the Apple Music DRM. Thankfully, Apple has reportedly fixed this issue today with the release of iTunes 12.2.1.
In the patch notes, Apple clarifies that this point-release “fixes an issue for iTunes Match where iTunes incorrectly changed some songs from Matched to Apple Music,” and “Provides a way to correct a library problem affecting former iTunes Match subscribers.” Based on that summary, it seems that the biggest conflicts are hitting those of us who have used both iTunes Match and Apple Music.
If you’re one of the poor souls who have used both services, now’s a good time to make sure you’re not being unfairly shackled by the Apple Music DRM. Once you’ve applied the latest iTunes update, create a smart playlist with the rule “iCloud status is Apple Music.” If any of your iTunes Match songs show up in that playlist, Apple recommends that you delete and re-download those tracks.
While this bug is a real hassle for some of Apple’s best customers, it was at least fixed relatively quickly. Considering that Apple has been known to take months to tackle important fixes, it’s pleasant to see that Cupertino hustled to solve this problem. Still, I’ll be sticking with Spotify — at least until Apple iterates a few times on its streaming service.
Apple Music was a staple in the rumor mill for years, but it wasn’t until this year’s Worldwide Developers Conference that it was finally confirmed. After creating the iPod and iTunes, Apple definitely has plenty of clout in the music world, but this streaming solution might be too little too late. With services like Spotify, Rdio, Xbox Music, Google Play Music, and Amazon Prime Music offering up very similar experiences, Apple Music is a hard sell to many music fans.
Sure, Apple Music benefits from being in the iTunes ecosystem, but we’re in 2015 — not 2005. iOS and OS X users can easily access competing services on their existing devices, and in-app purchases allow for the same low barrier to entry as Apple’s music subscription. If you’re already happily using a competing service, there isn’t much of a reason to switch right now unless you really like Taylor Swift.
Truth be told, I’m much more interested in the video streaming service that Apple is supposedly working on. Since existing services like Netflix and Amazon Prime are increasingly focusing on original programming, Apple might just be setting itself up to be the next HBO. But regardless of all of the bugs and rumors, it’s good to see that Apple is finally taking streaming media seriously.
