iOS 16.3 Code Reveals Apple Continues to Work on Classical Music App

Apple continues to work on a standalone classical music app, according to hidden code changes discovered by @iSWUpdates in the iOS 16.3 Release Candidate today. The software update is in the final stage of beta testing and is expected to be released to the public next week, but it is unclear if or when the app will launch.

apple music
For example, Apple changed a line of text that will appear in the iPhone's standard Music app from "A Shortcut to Apple Classical" to "Open in Apple Music Classical," suggesting that Apple has changed the name of the app, at least tentatively. Another line of code says "Explore this artist in the app designed for classical music."

In August 2021, Apple announced it acquired classical music service Primephonic and planned to release a dedicated classical music app in 2022, but the app has yet to launch and Apple has remained silent about the plans. Primephonic shut down in September 2021, with subscribers receiving a free six-month Apple Music subscription.

"Apple Music plans to launch a dedicated classical music app next year combining Primephonic's classical user interface that fans have grown to love with more added features," said Apple's press release in 2021. Apple promised that it would incorporate the best features of Primephonic, including "better browsing and search capabilities by composer and by repertoire" and "detailed displays of classical music metadata."

Hidden references to the classical music app were discovered in a beta version of the Apple Music app for Android and in the iOS 15.5 beta last year. More references to the app were discovered in an XML file on Apple's servers last year.

Related Forum: iOS 16

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Top Rated Comments

Gnik Nus Avatar
27 months ago

I feel like this is iTunes LP and Ping all over again. I can't name a single person who listens to classical music. I feel like it's just not something a lot of people listen to anymore.
You obviously have no idea what you’re talking about ?
The classical music market is huge. Millions of people around the world listen to classical music and attend classical music concerts. And classical music does have specific data (like the difference between composer and performer to begin with) that justifies a stand alone app.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ipedro Avatar
27 months ago

I can't name a single person who listens to classical music. I feel like it's just not something a lot of people listen to anymore.
This has got to be one of the cringiest self owns I've seen here in a while.


EDIT: Too many people not understanding what I wrote I see.
We understand it perfectly and you still don't realize how what you revealed about yourself makes you look.

I see that you don't mean any harm by your post but my man, take it from the majority of this forum who've given you many hints, you're making yourself look uncultured, narrow minded and incapable of self awareness. There's a world outside of your bubble. You don't have to like classical music but understand that the world is far bigger and infinitely more diverse than your immediate sphere of perception.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
1557750 Avatar
27 months ago

I feel like this is iTunes LP and Ping all over again. I can't name a single person who listens to classical music. I feel like it's just not something a lot of people listen to anymore.
I can’t name a single person that listens to newer music anymore or the radio. Maybe because everyone I talk to about music is in a different age group and have different tastes. Doesn’t mean there aren’t millions that do listen to it.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TheYayAreaLiving ?️ Avatar
27 months ago
Really looking forward to the Classical Music App. Apple Music App needs to be re-designed tho.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
gank41 Avatar
27 months ago

I feel like this is iTunes LP and Ping all over again. I can't name a single person who listens to classical music. I feel like it's just not something a lot of people listen to anymore.
? Hi, here's one. So, between you and me, that's 50%.....

Maybe make a poll and find out for yourself
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
giggles Avatar
27 months ago
I wanna watch the Met opening night from the front row in VR + spatial audio, Apple make it happen.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)