Indie Labels Challenge Apple Music's Spatial Audio Royalties Plan

Independent music labels argue that Apple's new payment scheme for spatial audio tracks could unfairly benefit major labels at their expense.

Independent labels express concerns over Apple Music's new spatial audio royalties, fearing it will disadvantage them financially.
The scheme pays artists 10% more for spatial audio tracks, but this comes from a fixed royalty pot, potentially reducing payouts for non-spatial audio tracks.
Producing music in spatial audio can add significant costs, estimated at $1,000 per song, making it less accessible for indie labels.
Major labels with the resources to invest in spatial audio, such as Universal Music Group, stand to benefit the most from the new payment plan.
Indie labels are considering negotiations or legal action against Apple, questioning the overall value of spatial audio in music production.