Apple is exploring the purchase of rival music streaming service Tidal, which is run by rap star Jay-Z, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday. The paper said Apple is interested in using the company to beef-up its own year-old steaming service Apple Music. Talks between the companies are ongoing and might not result in a tie-up, the Journal said, citing unnamed people familiar with the matter.
Executives at Tidal have not spoken with Apple about being acquired, the Journal reported, quoting a Tidal spokesperson.
Apple declined to comment when contacted by AFP. Tidal soared in popularity early this year after Beyonce released her latest album "Lemonade" exclusively on the service, although it was also broadcast in a film version on HBO and quickly made available on iTunes. Tidal subscriptions cost $10 or $20 monthly, depending on whether a user wants high-fidelity sound.