[Braveatom]

The major labels have a love/hate relationship with iTunes. It brings in loads of cash, but it's a monopoly and the majors have little to no control (on price and promo, compared to retail). 

So I wouldn't be surprised if the labels are being somewhat difficult to Apple about streaming rights - they'll dominate, and once again the labels lack control. 

This deal could get round that somehow?

Add to that that I think the labels have vested interests in Spotify and very favourable deals, (while cautious of the streaming model) and it makes sense to not let another player in just yet, especially one like Apple. 

Apples service is one that'll ride roughshod over everything, installed instantly on 100's of millions of devices with an iOS update - Sounds like a good use of their money to get that sooner rather than later. 

I haven't used Beats headphones but if their tech could be used to perceivably improve idevice's and laptops built in speaker audio it's a win there too. 

I'll believe it when I see it though.