Apple Music has solidified its position as one of the top music streaming services globally, trailing only Spotify. It boasts a library of over 100 million songs, meticulously curated playlists, and exclusive content, making it a haven for music enthusiasts. Since its debut in 2015, Apple Music has consistently expanded its offerings and seamlessly integrated into the Apple ecosystem, delivering a premium user experience.
Apple Music’s pricing strategy is pivotal to its market dominance. The company strives to strike a balance between affordability and value, attracting a diverse user base ranging from individuals to families and students. Let’s delve into the cost of each Apple Music plan:
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Individual Plan:
$11 per month*
Student Plan:
$6 per month*
Family Plan:
$17 per monthWhile Apple Music offers a free trial, a paid subscription is ultimately required for continued access. However, Verizon Unlimited plan subscribers can enjoy a unique perk: free access to Apple Music. We’ll explore this deal in detail later.
What You Get with Each Plan
Before diving into the nuances of each pricing tier, it’s important to note that every Apple Music subscription grants access to the same vast library of ad-free content. This includes offline listening, Apple Music 1 live and on-demand radio shows, and exclusive releases. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of Apple Music’s offerings:
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Over 100 million songs, ad-free:
All songs are now available in lossless audio at no extra cost.*
Dolby Atmos Music tracks:
Immerse yourself in spatial audio with exceptional quality, particularly impressive on Sonos speakers and the latest HomePod models.*
Exclusive playlists:
Discover curated selections tailored to your taste.*
Apple Music Sing feature:
Unleash your inner karaoke star with this interactive feature.*
Live radio:
Enjoy a wide range of live radio stations across your devices.Family Plan: Sharing the Music Love
The main distinction between Apple Music plans lies in the Family membership. It allows you to create up to six individual accounts under a single monthly subscription, providing cost-effective music access for your entire household.
Apple Music Doesn’t Offer a Free Plan
If you’re not eligible for any discounts, the Individual subscription at $11 per month is your starting point. Alternatively, you can opt for an annual plan costing $109, offering a $23 discount. However, comparing this to alternative subscription services, particularly Spotify, is recommended. You might need to sign up for the monthly plan first to see the discounted annual option.
Student Savings
Similar to Spotify, Apple Music provides a 50% discount for students with a valid email address from a supported educational institution. This reduces the monthly subscription to a mere $6.
Family Fun
Looking to share Apple Music with up to six members of your household? The Family plan, at $17 per month, offers significant savings compared to individual subscriptions.
Apple One: Bundling for Value
Apple One bundles several Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud+, News+, and more, into tiered subscription plans. These plans offer discounted pricing, especially if you utilize multiple Apple services.
Verizon Unlimited Plan Perks
Verizon Unlimited plan subscribers can enjoy six months of free Individual Apple Music membership. After the initial free period, the cost reverts to $11 per month per line. This offer provides access to Apple Music’s library, offline downloads, and streaming capabilities over various networks.
Apple Gift Cards: A Potential Path to Savings
Apple Music subscriptions can be purchased using Apple Gift Cards, which can sometimes be obtained at discounted prices. Keep an eye out for special offers, like those found at Best Buy, where you might find Apple Gift Cards bundled with free Apple Music months.
New User Deals: Don’t Miss Out
New Apple Music subscribers should actively seek out deals that offer free months with sign-up, product purchases, or other promotions. Here are some current examples:
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Best Buy:
Offers up to three months of free Apple Music for new or returning subscribers.*
Apple:
Periodically offers free subscriptions for new buyers of Apple products like Macs, iPhones, and newer generations of AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Beats headphones, HomePod, and HomePod mini.Comparing Apple Music to the Competition: Spotify and Beyond
Spotify, Apple Music’s primary competitor, holds the lead in global reach and boasts 239 million Premium subscribers worldwide (as of Q1 2024), compared to Apple’s 93 million (as of June 2023). However, Apple Music remains a formidable contender, offering an extensive music library, diverse playlists, and top-notch radio stations.
Spotify excels in music discovery tools, but its library is slightly smaller. Apple Music, with its broader catalog, appeals to music lovers seeking a wider range of genres. While Apple boasts exclusive releases and live radio, Spotify’s strength lies in podcasts and curated playlists.
Both platforms allow offline downloads for offline listening. Apple Music’s playlists are widely regarded as more in-depth and personalized, surpassing even those offered by Amazon Music and YouTube Music.
Audio Quality: A Close Race
In terms of audio format and quality, Apple Music takes the lead. Spotify’s rumored high-resolution tier has yet to materialize, but many services, including Tidal, Amazon Music Unlimited, Qobuz, and Deezer, now offer lossless audio starting at CD quality. Here’s a breakdown of audio formats and quality across popular streaming services:
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Apple Music:
AAC, ALAC formats at up to 24-bit/192kHz, plus Dolby Atmos Music*
Tidal HiFi:
AAC, ALAC, FLAC formats at 16-bit/44.1kHz (HiFi) and 24-bit/96kHz (HiFi Plus), plus Dolby Atmos Music*
Amazon Music HD:
FLAC format at up to 24-bit/192kHz*
Deezer Premium:
FLAC format at up to 16-bit/44.1kHz*
Qobuz:
AIFF, ALAC, FLAC, WAV, WMA Lossless formats at up to 24-bit/192kHzFrequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the cheapest way to get Apple Music?
A: Take advantage of the free trial offer, which grants one month of free access. Alternatively, purchasing new Apple headphones may qualify you for six months of free Apple Music.
Q: Can I really get three months of Apple Music for free?
A: Yes! Purchasing a new iPhone, AirPod, HomePod, or Beats product entitles you to three months of free Apple Music. You can enjoy streaming across all your devices during this trial period.
