Spotify heading to iPhone within weeks

Spotify

The iPhone version of Spotify has been submitted to Apple and approval is expected within a matter of days, according to the official Spotify blog.

Spotify said the app should be available on the App Store "in a matter of weeks".

Spotify is a free downloadable application that lets users stream music to their computers. It is currently only available in Europe, but has plans to launch in the US by the end of the year.

While the advert supported computer-based version is free, users can choose to pay for the ad-free Premium service, which offers higher quality streaming for 9.99 a month.

The iPhone version will only be available for Premium users, though the app will be free to download. It is not clear whether there will be any additional charges.

Many have viewed Spotify as a potential threat to Apple's iTunes, as it gives access to a wide range of music without users having to pay.

In response to an IT PRO query regarding this, Spotify said: "We have a great relationship with Apple, think the iPhone is awesome and absolutely expect them to approve our app in the next few weeks. Apple has already approved several other music services such as Last.fm, Deezer and Pandora."

In a major change from the computer-based version, users will be able to download songs to listen to offline, for when they don't have network coverage. Users will also be able to search for music, and stream playlists.

Last March, Spotify suffered a security breach, with early users with weak passwords at risk of having their accounts accessed.

Spotifiy has made a video of a the iPhone app running, which you can view below.

Benny Har-Even

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.