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How to Rock Your PS4 with Apple Music: A Comprehensive Guide

Unfortunately, there’s no direct app available to get Apple Music on your PS4 as of now. Sony and Apple haven’t officially partnered to bring native Apple Music functionality to the PlayStation ecosystem. However, fear not! There are still a few clever workarounds you can use to enjoy your favorite Apple Music tunes while gaming. Let’s dive into these methods.

Workaround 1: Using DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)

This method leverages the PS4’s Media Player to access Apple Music content stored on a computer or network-attached storage (NAS) device. Think of it as creating your personal streaming server.

Setting Up DLNA on Your Computer

iTunes Media Sharing (for Locally Stored Music): If your Apple Music library consists primarily of downloaded songs rather than streamed content, iTunes (or the Apple Music app on newer macOS versions) can act as a DLNA server. Open iTunes (or Apple Music), go to “File” > “Sharing” > “Share Library.” Configure a name and password for the shared library.
Third-Party DLNA Server Software: For streamed Apple Music or a more robust experience, consider using dedicated DLNA server software like Plex, Universal Media Server, or Serviio. These programs allow you to share any folder on your computer, including ones containing Apple Music downloads or even casting streamed audio (more on that later). Install and configure your chosen server software, pointing it to the folder(s) containing your music.
Ensure Network Connectivity: Make sure your computer and PS4 are on the same network. This is crucial for the DLNA server to be discoverable by your console.

Accessing Apple Music on Your PS4

Open the PS4 Media Player: Navigate to the PS4’s main menu, and select the “Media Player” application. If you don’t have it installed, you can download it from the PlayStation Store.
Select Your DLNA Server: Once the Media Player is open, it should automatically detect DLNA servers on your network. Choose the server you configured in the previous steps (either your iTunes library or your third-party server).
Browse and Play: Browse through your shared folders to find your Apple Music library. You can then select and play songs directly through the PS4 Media Player.

Limitations of DLNA

No Apple Music Streaming: This method cannot directly stream Apple Music content. It only works with music files that are already downloaded and stored on your computer.
Metadata Limitations: The PS4 Media Player might not always display complete metadata (album art, artist information) for all songs, depending on how the files are tagged and how the DLNA server handles metadata.
Control Limitations: Controlling playback (skipping tracks, creating playlists) can be cumbersome using the PS4 controller.

Workaround 2: Using a Bluetooth Connection (Less Ideal)

While not directly on the PS4, you can connect your smartphone or tablet (running Apple Music) to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones that are also connected to your PS4. This allows you to listen to Apple Music playing on your device while hearing the game audio through the speaker/headphones.

Steps:

Pair Bluetooth Speaker/Headphones: Pair your Bluetooth audio device with both your smartphone/tablet and your PS4. This often involves putting the speaker/headphones into pairing mode.
Connect to PS4 for Game Audio: Connect the Bluetooth speaker/headphones to the PS4 as the primary audio output device for game audio.
Play Apple Music on Your Device: Play Apple Music on your smartphone/tablet.
Adjust Volumes: Carefully balance the volume levels between the Apple Music playback on your device and the game audio coming from the PS4.

Why It’s Less Ideal

Management Overhead: Managing two separate audio sources (game audio and Apple Music) can be tedious.
Audio Quality: Bluetooth audio quality can sometimes be inferior to a direct connection.
No Integration: There’s no integration between Apple Music and the PS4. You can’t control the music through the PS4 interface.
Potential Latency: Bluetooth can introduce slight audio latency, which can be distracting while gaming.

Workaround 3: Using an HDMI Audio Extractor (Advanced)

This involves using a device that splits the HDMI signal from the PS4, sending video to the TV and audio to a separate audio system (e.g., receiver, speakers). You can then connect your smartphone/tablet (playing Apple Music) directly to that audio system. This requires specific hardware and a bit more technical setup. This is not a very practical solution.

A Plea to Apple and Sony

The absence of a native Apple Music app on the PS4 is a noticeable omission. Many gamers are also Apple Music subscribers, and having seamless integration would be a major convenience. Let’s hope that Apple and Sony consider a partnership to bring this much-requested feature to the PlayStation platform in the future. For now, we are stuck with the above workarounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about using Apple Music with your PS4:

1. Will Apple Music ever be officially available on PS4?

There’s no official word from either Apple or Sony on this. However, given the popularity of both services, it’s certainly a possibility in the future. Keep an eye on official announcements from both companies.

2. Can I use AirPlay to stream Apple Music to my PS4?

Unfortunately, the PS4 does not support AirPlay. AirPlay is an Apple-specific technology for streaming audio and video, and it’s not natively compatible with the PlayStation console.

3. Does PlayStation Music (formerly Music Unlimited) offer similar features to Apple Music?

PlayStation Music, powered by Spotify, is the official music streaming service for PlayStation consoles. It offers a vast library of songs, playlists, and radio stations. It’s a direct alternative to Apple Music, but its content library and features may differ slightly.

4. Can I control the DLNA music playback with my PS4 controller?

Yes, you can use the PS4 controller to control playback (play, pause, skip, volume) within the PS4 Media Player when using the DLNA method. However, creating playlists or managing your library will still need to be done on the DLNA server itself (your computer).

5. Is it safe to download and install third-party DLNA server software?

As with any software, it’s essential to download DLNA server software from reputable sources. Check reviews and ratings before installing anything. Ensure your computer’s antivirus software is up-to-date for added protection.

6. Will using DLNA affect my PS4’s gaming performance?

DLNA streaming generally consumes minimal resources. However, if your computer (the DLNA server) is under heavy load (e.g., running other resource-intensive applications), it could potentially impact the PS4’s performance, particularly during online multiplayer games.

7. Can I listen to Apple Music in the background while playing games?

Yes, using the DLNA or Bluetooth methods, you can typically listen to Apple Music in the background while playing games. The PS4 Media Player allows for background audio playback.

8. What audio formats are supported by the PS4 Media Player?

The PS4 Media Player supports a variety of audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and FLAC. Check the official PlayStation support documentation for a complete list of supported formats.

9. Can I use a USB drive to play Apple Music on my PS4?

Yes, if you have Apple Music files downloaded and stored on a USB drive, you can plug it into your PS4 and play them through the Media Player. However, this is not ideal if you want to stream music.

10. Are there any apps that claim to stream Apple Music to PS4?

Be wary of unofficial apps that claim to stream Apple Music to PS4. These apps are often unreliable, may contain malware, and could violate Apple’s or Sony’s terms of service. It’s best to stick to the official methods or reputable DLNA solutions.

11. Can I use Apple Music on my PS5?

The methods described above for PS4 generally apply to the PS5 as well. There’s no native Apple Music app on the PS5 either, so DLNA remains the most viable option for playing your locally stored Apple Music library.

12. Is using DLNA legal for Apple Music?

Yes, using DLNA to play your own downloaded Apple Music files is perfectly legal. DLNA is simply a technology for sharing media files within your local network. However, attempting to circumvent Apple’s DRM (Digital Rights Management) to download and share streamed Apple Music content would be a violation of their terms of service and could have legal consequences.