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'Radio buy' buttons in iOS 6.1 code hint at unreleased tech

updated 10:08 am EST, Tue February 5, 2013

Tied to planned subscription service?

(Updated with AppleInsider info) Buried code in iOS 6.1 may hint at a future radio feature, notes 9to5Mac. After applying the evasi0n jailbreak, the site says it discovered code for a radio button hidden in the iPad Music app, even though the app is only equipped to play local files or content from iTunes Match. One possibility is that Apple is planning to implement support for Internet broadcasts, as with the desktop version of iTunes.

The button files also contain the word "buy" in their names though, which may suggest they're related to Apple's long-rumored subscription service. Apple has reportedly been talking to music labels about the prospect for some time, and last October, Bloomberg indicated that the service could launch this quarter. The new iOS 6.1 content may imply that Apple is at least laying the groundwork for a service, the launch of which would be contingent on securing label deals.

Conspicuously, the buttons don't appear anywhere in the iPhone version of the Music app. It's unsure why, but that could simply be reflective of how early a radio feature is in development.

Update: AppleInsider has gone into further detail, noting that the filenames all begin with "transport-radio," and modify the button for four different states. These include "black," "pressed gray," "confirm," and "confirm pressed." The significance of the term "transport" isn't known, but could possibly refer to the name of an Apple service.

by MacNN Staff





  1. Inkling

    Senior User

    Joined: 07-25-06

    Spectrum idiocy

    Oh great, we're fussing over the shortage of cellular data spectrum in our major cities and what is Apple doing? They're apparently coming up with a streaming music service, yet another demand on that scarce spectrum. Is it really that hard for users to plan a bit in advance and simply download the sort of music they'd like to hear?

    Or if they like random music selections, why can't they simply get a radio and listen to a station that plays the sort of music they like, or satellite radio if they dislike commercials?

  1. hayesk

    Professional Poster

    Joined: 09-17-99

    Re:Spectrum Idiocy

    So Apple shouldn't be able to have a piece of the spectrum, so that another commercial entity can?

    If you think that the spectrum should be reserved for government interests, then just say so.

    If you think that other companies should be able to have it, but just not Apple; then that's idiocy right there.

  1. Spheric Harlot

    Clinically Insane

    Joined: 11-07-99

    Couldn't this just be something like the iPod nano's FM radio bookmarking feature, but with a direct link to the iTunes Store?

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