Universal Music, Apple Launch Sound Therapy for Mental Health

Universal Music Group and Apple Music have introduced Sound Therapy, a new collection of music designed to support listeners’ mental health by enhancing focus, relaxation, and sleep. The audio content uses embedded sound waves to influence wellbeing while preserving the original songs.

Michael Nash, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital Officer, Universal Music Group, said the collaboration with Apple stems from UMG’s ongoing efforts to explore music’s role in health and wellness. “Working with Apple, a leader in health technology, validates our approach through Sollos, UMG’s science-based music initiative,” said Nash. 

Sound Therapy responds to increased interest in music’s therapeutic applications, leveraging cognitive science and psychoacoustics to influence listeners’ mental states. Apple Music has expanded mood and wellness programming recently, including mood-based playlists and a Chill radio station, reflecting growing demand for curated audio experiences linked to health.

The collection features three categories tailored to specific wellness needs: Focus uses gamma waves and white noise to improve concentration by masking distractions; Relax employs theta waves to induce deep relaxation; and Sleep incorporates delta waves and pink noise that mimic natural ambient sounds to support better sleep. These embedded sound waves run beneath tracks from artists such as Imagine Dragons, Katy Perry, and Ludovico Einaudi without altering the songs’ original form.

Developed by Sollos’ team of producers, scientists, and audio engineers in London, Sound Therapy integrates scientific audio techniques with popular music to create a functional listening experience. This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader health technology ecosystem, which includes Apple Watch, HealthKit, and Apple Fitness+. UMG and Apple plan to continue working together to research and develop music-based well-being tools accessible worldwide.