Increase in Apple Music Commission Rate, But Decrease for iTunes Music ⇥ affiliate.itunes.apple.com

Apple:

As Apple Music continues to grow we are enhancing the affiliate program by increasing commissions for members of the base program. Beginning April 5th, 2018, we will increase payments to affiliates on Apple Music globally, paying twice as much as we do today. You will earn a one time 100% commission on the first month of a user’s subscription to Apple Music; this is twice the existing rate which pays 50%.

[…]

Also beginning in April, iTunes Music commissions will be reduced from 7% to 2.5% globally. The commission rate on movies, books, and TV will remain at the current 7% commission.

It isn’t notable that Apple is pushing Apple Music; it is notable, I think, that they’re pushing away from music sales on iTunes. I don’t think it necessarily betrays some hypothetical strategy of discontinuing music sales, but it’s a sign of the times. Remember when people wanted to own their music? That time is over — at least, for most.