Does iTunes Radio eat data fast?

[Sekelani Zwambila]

iTunes Radio has just been released in Australia today, and I'm enjoying the experience. I'm not sure wether it's gonna eat my data fast or not.
I'm using acellular connection and I bought my iphone 5S outright, So I don't have to worry about plan charges.

So, will this iTunes Radio kill my data fast?

Sent from my GOLD iPhone 5S using Tapatalk

 

[EmceeGeek]

Yes, it uses data to stream.


Sent from my [Gold] iPhone 5S

 

[Blue Shift]

iTunes Radio has just been released in Australia today, and I'm enjoying the experience. I'm not sure wether it's gonna eat my data fast or not.
I'm using acellular connection and I bought my iphone 5S outright, So I don't have to worry about plan charges.

So, will this iTunes Radio kill my data fast?

Sent from my GOLD iPhone 5S using Tapatalk

Apple hasn't published bitrates for the streaming service, but I've been told the quality difference is quite pronounced between WiFi/LAN and 3G/LTE. I'm presuming they are using 80kbps AAC-HE for 3G/LTE, or possibly 128kbps AAC, vs the 256kpbs AAC tracks you purchase from the iTunes store. Proceeding from that assumption:

80kbps AAC-HE: 80/8*60 = 600KB per minute or 35MB per hour.
128kbps AAC : 128/8*60 = 960KB per minute or 56MB per hour.

Assuming the best case scenario, you'd deplete a 1GB plan in just under 30 hours (not counting any other data usage.)

 

[antiprotest]

No need for calculations. Just use it for a while and check it under settings, cellular. It tells you how much each app has used.

 

[acerace113]

The bitrate is 256kbps. But it will fully download the song as it plays then deletes the song after it's played/skipped.


Sent from my iPhone 5S or iPod touch 5th gen using Tapatalk

 

[pr1nce]

It does use data.


Sent from my iPhone using iMore Forums

 

[iknrisms]

Like others have mentioned, it does use you cellular data. However, obviously, if on Wi-Fi you won't have to worry. But yes, it does stream but still a great service from Apple!


Sent from my Space Gray iPhone 5S using Tapatalk

 

[Speedygi]

Here's how you can track data usage on your iPhone, albeit this article was written for the 3G:

How To: Keep Track of Your Data Usage With iPhone 3G | iMore

If you find it spiking with iTunes Radio usage, you have to take note then.