Apple Acquires Shazam and Its Song-Recognition App

The acquisition gives Apple ownership of an app that helps users identify unfamiliar songs. Users are often directed to listen to those songs at Apple Music or Spotify, helping those services possibly reach new subscribers. Such referrals could help Apple boost the number of subscribers to its streaming-music service from its current 30 million. Spotify AB says its service has 60 million paid subscribers. Shazam, which made its debut as an app in 2008, also gives Apple access to extensive data and insight on people's musical interests.