Udio, the AI music generator currently being sued by major record labels, released its first mobile app on iOS this week. The app, launched Tuesday (May 20), lets users create songs by entering text prompts—no music experience needed.
Backed by venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, Udio says its mobile app delivers “studio-quality songs with AI.” The app includes core features from its web version, like song generation, cover art creation, playlist management, and a discovery feed. Udio also offers tiered plans, ranging from a free version with daily credits to a $30/month Pro plan with expanded features and early access to updates.
The launch comes as Udio faces legal pressure. In June 2024, Sony Music, Universal Music Group, and Warner Records sued Udio and fellow AI platform Suno, claiming both companies trained their models using copyrighted recordings without permission. The RIAA, backing the lawsuit, argues that “AI companies… must abide by the laws that protect human creativity.”
Music ethics advocate Ed Newton-Rex has said Udio-generated tracks resemble songs by artists like John Lennon and Coldplay. Though Udio and Suno previously claimed their training methods qualified as fair use, court filings from August 2024 show both companies admitted to using copyrighted materials.
In response to criticism, Udio has taken new steps. Last month, it integrated audio fingerprinting tech from Audible Magic to help identify AI-generated songs and enforce licensing. Earlier this year, it introduced a ‘Styles’ feature that imitates the feel of existing music, though Udio says it only works with content users legally own.
The company also updated its AI model to ‘v1.5 Allegro,’ promising 30% faster output without loss in quality.
