How Much Does Apple Music Cost Per Month? The Definitive Guide

So, you’re humming along to a catchy tune and thinking about jumping into the world of Apple Music. Excellent choice! But before you dive headfirst into that vast library of sonic goodness, let’s get down to brass tacks: how much is this going to cost you? The answer is thankfully straightforward, but like a finely crafted song, there are a few variations depending on your situation. Here’s the breakdown:

• Individual Plan: This will set you back $10.99 per month. This is the standard option for most users, giving you access to the entire Apple Music catalog on all your devices.
• Student Plan: Got that student ID burning a hole in your pocket? Then you’re in luck! You can snag Apple Music for just $5.99 per month. This requires verification through UNiDAYS to confirm your eligibility as a student enrolled in a degree-granting university or college.
• Family Plan: Perfect for sharing the musical love with your household. The Family Plan costs $16.99 per month and allows up to six family members to access Apple Music on their individual devices. All family members must be part of the same iCloud Family Sharing group.
• Apple One Bundles: Apple offers bundled subscription packages called Apple One. These include Apple Music alongside other services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage. The price varies depending on the bundle you choose. Apple One plans start at $16.95 per month for the Individual plan, $22.95 per month for the Family plan (up to five users), and $32.95 per month for the Premier plan (up to six users).

That’s the bottom line! Now, let’s unpack some of the finer details and answer those burning questions you likely have swirling around in your head.

Demystifying Apple Music Subscriptions

Understanding the Different Plans

Apple Music offers a range of plans catered to different needs and budgets. Let’s dive deeper into each of these options:

• Individual Plan: As mentioned, this is the go-to for solo music lovers. For $10.99 a month, you get unlimited access to Apple Music’s entire library, personalized radio stations, offline downloads, and high-quality audio. This plan works seamlessly across all your Apple devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV) as well as Android devices and through the Apple Music web player.

• Student Plan: This discounted option is a boon for students actively enrolled in eligible educational institutions. At $5.99 a month, it offers the same features as the Individual plan but at almost half the cost. Eligibility is verified through UNiDAYS, and you may need to re-verify your status periodically.

• Family Plan: A fantastic value for households with multiple music fans. For $16.99 a month, up to six family members can enjoy their own personalized Apple Music experience on their individual devices. The administrator of the iCloud Family Sharing group manages the subscription and billing. Each family member gets their own separate library, recommendations, and listening history.

• Apple One: This is where things get interesting. Apple One bundles multiple Apple services into a single monthly subscription, potentially saving you money if you already subscribe to several of them. The Individual Apple One plan ($16.95/month) includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage. The Family plan ($22.95/month) includes the same services plus 200GB of iCloud storage and can be shared with up to five family members. The Premier plan ($32.95/month) expands on that with Apple News+, Apple Fitness+, and a whopping 2TB of iCloud storage, shareable with up to six family members.

What’s Included in Each Apple Music Plan?

Regardless of the plan you choose, you’ll get access to these core features:

• Unlimited Streaming: Stream millions of songs on demand.
• Offline Downloads: Download your favorite tracks and listen without an internet connection.
• Personalized Recommendations: Discover new music tailored to your tastes.
• Beats 1 Radio (Apple Music 1): Listen to live radio shows hosted by top DJs.
• Ad-Free Listening: Enjoy uninterrupted music without annoying advertisements.
• Cross-Device Compatibility: Access Apple Music on all your compatible devices.
• Original Content: Exclusive concerts, documentaries, and interviews.
• Spatial Audio: Immersive sound experience with compatible headphones and devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the world of Apple Music pricing and features:

1. Is there a free trial available for Apple Music?

   Yes, Apple typically offers a free trial period for new subscribers. This can range from one month to several months, depending on current promotions. Keep an eye out for these deals!

2. Can I cancel my Apple Music subscription at any time?

   Absolutely. You can cancel your subscription at any time through your Apple ID settings. Your access will continue until the end of your current billing cycle.

3. How do I sign up for the Apple Music Student Plan?

   You need to verify your student status through UNiDAYS. Apple will provide instructions during the signup process. You may need to re-verify your eligibility periodically.

4. What happens if I stop being a student while on the Student Plan?

   Apple will notify you when your student status expires. You’ll then need to switch to a regular Individual plan or another suitable option.

5. Can I share my Apple Music Family Plan with anyone?

   No, the Family Plan is designed for members of your immediate household. All family members must be part of the same iCloud Family Sharing group.

6. How do I manage my Apple Music subscription?

   You can manage your subscription through your Apple ID settings on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or through iTunes on a Windows PC. This includes changing plans, updating payment information, and canceling your subscription.

7. Does Apple Music offer lossless audio?

   Yes! Apple Music offers lossless audio quality at no extra cost to subscribers. You can enable lossless audio in your device settings.

8. Can I listen to Apple Music on devices other than Apple products?

   Yes, you can. Apple Music is available on Android devices, smart TVs, and through a web player on any computer.

9. Is Apple Music available in my country?

   Apple Music is available in most countries around the world. You can check the Apple website for a list of supported countries.

10. How does Apple Music compare to other music streaming services like Spotify?

    Both Apple Music and Spotify offer similar features, including vast music libraries, personalized recommendations, and offline downloads. Some users prefer Apple Music’s integration with the Apple ecosystem, while others prefer Spotify’s user interface or social features. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences. It is always a great idea to compare each option.

11. Can I use Apple Music without an Apple device? Yes, you can listen to Apple Music on Android devices by downloading the Apple Music app from the Google Play Store. Additionally, you can access Apple Music through a web browser on any computer by visiting the Apple Music website.

12. What is the difference between Apple Music and iTunes Match?

    Apple Music is a streaming service, while iTunes Match is a cloud-based service that allows you to upload your own music library to iCloud and access it on all your devices, even if the songs aren’t available in the Apple Music catalog. If you have a lot of music files that aren’t available on Apple Music, iTunes Match might be a good option.