In an interview, Apple Music boss Oliver Schusser describes how the company does this. Using unspecified methods, Apple continually identifies inauthentic streaming via Apple Music. In 2025 alone, this included 2 billion streams. For these, the payment of royalties will initially be prevented. According to industry insiders, $17 million would have been paid out.
Apple gets nothing
Additionally, Apple Music imposes a penalty fee on these fake streams, which is deducted from legitimate streaming royalties. This has so far been between 5 and 25 percent. From now on, the penalty is at least ten percent and can increase to half of the faked turnover. The streaming provider does not pocket the fines themselves, but instead adds them to the pot that is distributed to musicians. This means that fraudsters are punished and honest providers are rewarded to the same extent. Schusser emphasizes that Apple Music has managed to limit the extent of fraudulent streams on its platform as much as possible.
Low total
Overall, the amount of illegitimate reproductions accounts for a maximum of half a percent of the total amount. The aim of the increased fines is to further reduce them. However, he has no hope that fraud can ever be completely prevented. He also sees a structural advantage in the fact that Apple does not rely 100 percent on algorithms – editorial compilations of playlists provide better protection against manipulation. As the conversation continues, the Apple Music executive is excited about Bad Bunny performing at the Superbowl halftime show – Apple Music has been a sponsor of the musical performance during the NFL finals for four years.