The much-anticipated launch of the Google Play Music app for iOS 7 is finally here, marking a significant expansion of Google’s music ecosystem. Previously available only on Android, the Google Play Music app now brings its full range of features to iPhone and iPad users. For those unfamiliar, Google Play Music is not just a music store—it offers a combination of a streaming service, radio, and a cloud-based music library that sets it apart from other music apps like Apple Music and Spotify.
A Seamless Music Experience Across Devices
The Google Play Music app is a complete music hub that allows you to not only purchase songs but also access a vast catalog of music, all through a user-friendly interface. One of its standout features is the ability to upload over 20,000 songs to the cloud, ensuring your favorite tracks are available on any device—now including your iPhone and iPad. This cloud integration offers users the convenience of listening to their personal music collections without using precious device storage.
Additionally, for a monthly fee of $9.99, users gain access to Google’s extensive music streaming library, providing millions of songs at their fingertips. This fee also includes access to Google Play’s radio service, which is available for free and offers an experience comparable to services like Spotify or Pandora, making it an appealing choice for music lovers.
The Missing iPad Version – For Now
While the arrival of the Google Play Music app on iOS 7 is a big step forward, there is currently no dedicated version of the app for the iPad. However, according to Google’s statement to 9to5mac, an iPad-optimized version is already in development and is expected to launch soon. For now, iPad users can still use the iPhone version of the app, though the experience is likely to be less polished until the iPad version becomes available.
Google Play Music vs. Competitors
The launch of the Google Play Music app on iOS 7 puts it in direct competition with other music services like Apple Music and Spotify. While all these services offer streaming and radio options, Google’s cloud music storage feature gives it a unique edge. Users can upload their entire personal music collection to the cloud, allowing them to combine their purchased music with the songs available through the streaming service. This flexibility offers a more customizable experience, especially for those who have already built a vast music library.
Moreover, the price point is competitive—at $9.99 per month, users gain access to Google’s full catalog of songs, ad-free radio stations, and cloud-based storage, making it one of the most versatile music platforms available on iOS.
How to Get Started with Google Play Music on iOS 7
Getting started with the Google Play Music app on iOS 7 is simple:
- Download the App: You can download the Google Play Music app from the App Store, making it available for use on iPhones. Although an iPad version isn’t available just yet, users can expect it to launch soon.
- Upload Your Music: If you have a collection of songs saved on your computer, you can upload them to Google Play’s cloud service. Once uploaded, your music will be available across all devices connected to your Google account.
- Subscription: Subscribing to Google Play Music for $9.99/month unlocks the full range of features, including unlimited streaming from their extensive catalog and ad-free radio. The subscription also includes the ability to download music for offline playback, perfect for when you’re on the go and without internet access.
- Explore the Radio Feature: Google’s radio service, which comes free with the app, offers curated stations based on your preferences. Unlike other radio services that play ads between tracks, the Google Play Music app provides an ad-free experience to subscribers, enhancing your listening experience.
Conclusion: A Must-Try for Music Lovers
The launch of the Google Play Music app on iOS 7 is a welcome addition to the growing ecosystem of music apps. Whether you’re looking for a cloud-based music library, a streaming service, or a radio platform, Google Play Music offers a flexible, powerful option for users. For those who want to access their entire music collection from any device and enjoy millions of songs through streaming, this app is well worth the try. With a low monthly fee and the promise of an upcoming iPad version, Google Play Music stands out as a strong competitor in the crowded field of music services.
Stay tuned for future updates, especially the iPad-optimized version, which will further solidify Google Play Music’s place on iOS devices. If you’re ready to explore everything this platform has to offer, the app is available now in the App Store.