Apple is getting close to acquiring song recognition app Shazam, sources tell TechCrunch.

Why it matters: Shazam and Apple already have history together—in 2014, the two inked a deal to let Apple's Siri identify songs playing via Shazam's technology. An acquisition would be a natural deepening of that partnership that could both help iOS strengthen its sound-indentification tech and help drive more song purchases via iTunes (which it already does) and convert more users to the Apple Music subscription service.

• Shazam's tech can also help bolster Apple's HomePod, a music-focused, Siri-powered home speaker it unveiled in September