Apple has officially confirmed what’s been clear to music rightsholders for several months: iTunes music sales are falling. The confirmation came in Apple’s annual report filed with US financial body the SEC. “Growth in net sales from the iTunes Store was driven by increases in revenue from app sales reflecting continued growth in the installed base of iOS devices and the expanded offerings of iOS Apps and related in-App purchases. This was partially offset by a decline in sales of digital music.” No surprises there: the Wall Street Journal claimed this month that iTunes sales are down 13-14% globally. Cue more speculation about Apple’s plans to use Beats Music as the spearhead for iTunes’ long-anticipated move into streaming next year. One possibly-related story this morning: Apple has launched its iAd mobile ad network in 70 new countries, taking its total to 95. iAd isn’t used for Beats Music (yet) but it is the moneymaking engine for the iTunes Radio service.
Tools: platforms to help you reach new audiences
Tools: Kaiber
In the year or so since its launch, AI startup Kaiber has been making waves,…