Could radio kill the Spotify star? Apple launches long-awaited music streaming service

Tech behemoth Apple has finally announced its long-rumoured music streaming service - dubbed Apple Music.

Now it looks set to go head-to-head with Spotify in a bid to dominate an already crowded streaming market.

Legendary music industry figure Jimmy Iovine unveiled the app at Apple's annual developers' conference - describing it as "revolutionary".

The app's price hasn't been announced in pounds, but it will cost $9.99 (£6.50) per month after three months free in the States, with a $14.99 (£9.77) family plan which can include up to six family members.

As well as organising people's music collections and giving them the opportunity to download and stream music, the app will also feature a global radio station, named Beats 1, to be fronted in part by former BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe.

It also promises to learn people's tastes and make recommendations accordingly, while another function will supposedly let fans connect with artists and their peers.

The app is due for release on 30 June.

However, in a tweet which has since been deleted, Spotify's head honcho Daniel Ek didn't seem too concerned by his company's new rival.

"We’ve had a long relationship with music," said Apple CEO Tim Cook at today's launch. "And music has had a rich history of change, some of which we’ve played a part in."

Among other things, the company also released more information about its Apple Pay service, which allows people to pay for goods and services with their iPhones. Already a hit in America, where it's about to be accepted in more than one million locations, it will start to roll out in the United Kingdom in July.