Apple Caves To Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift

Lots of artists and music industry figures protested after Apple said that it wouldn't pay royalties to artists and record labels for music that was played during a free, three-month trial of its new streaming music service.

But it took Taylor Swift to get Apple to back down -- and swiftly too, announcing Sunday night that it was reversing its position, just hours after the pop superstar criticized them online in an open letter in which she described the company's stance as, quote, "shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company."

Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue said, "When I woke up this morning and I saw Taylor's note that she had written, it really solidified that we needed to make a change."

#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period

— Eddy Cue (@cue) June 22, 2015

Notably, Swift hadn't just slammed Apple's plans, but also said she wouldn't allow her latest album, 1989, on the service because of it.

In her letter, Swift wrote, "We don't ask you for free iPhones. Please don't ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation."

Cue said that he spoke to Swift personally yesterday to tell her they'd changed their minds and would pay royalties during the free trial period. Swift has acted on the issue of artist compensation before, pulling her catalog from Spotify last year over its free, ad-supported tier.

I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today. They listened to us.

— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) June 22, 2015