The technology giant is exploring the idea of acquiring Tidal because of its strong ties to popular artists including Kanye West and Madonna, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Sources told the newspaper that “exploratory talks” were continuing and they might not result in a deal. But a Tidal spokesman denied its executives had discussed a deal with Apple, the Wall Street Journal said.
Jay Z joined forces with a host of music stars in March last year to unveil Tidal as a rival to Spotify, following criticism of the amount they pay acts in royalties.
Swedish technology company Aspiro, which owned Tidal, was bought out by the rap mogul for $56m.
Jay Z was joined at a launch event in New York by West, Alicia Keys and his wife, Beyonce, who have stakes in the company, along with fellow Tidal co-owners Calvin Harris and Chris Martin, who appeared via video link.
Last month West used Tidal to unveil the controversial video to his song ‘Famous’, featuring depictions of a host of naked celebrities including Taylor Swift.
Tidal is also the only streaming service offering the back catalogue of the late music superstar Prince, who died in April after an accidental overdose.
In the UK, the site’s flagship monthly subscription fee – which includes high definition audio and HD music videos – is double the amount of the highest Spotify monthly cost. Tidal also offers a monthly deal in line with its rivals.
Apple Music was based on the streaming service Beats, which Apple acquired with headphone maker Beats Electronics for $3 billion in May 2014. As part of the deal, Apple acquired the services of rap star Dr. Dre and music mogul Jimmy Iovine, who have played critical roles in warming the music industry to Apple’s music service.
A deal with Tidal would bring two of the most legendary names in hip-hop to Apple’s camp, uniting East Coast and West Coast rap under a single business interest.
Apple has been working to secure close relationships with recording artists. It has provided marketing assistance to artists, while also helping to pay for music videos for high-profile artists in exchange for a certain period of exclusivity on Apple Music.