Is Apple Music Free with Prime? Unraveling the Music Streaming Maze

No, Apple Music is not free with Amazon Prime. While both services offer a plethora of benefits, they operate independently and require separate subscriptions. To enjoy Apple Music, you’ll need an Apple Music subscription, and to access Amazon Prime’s perks, including Prime Music, you’ll need an Amazon Prime membership.

Understanding the Key Players: Apple Music and Amazon Prime

Let’s break down what each service offers to understand why they aren’t bundled together and what the separate benefits are:

Apple Music: Your Gateway to a Universe of Music

Apple Music is a subscription-based music streaming service boasting a massive library of over 100 million songs. It offers features like:

• Ad-free listening: Immerse yourself in uninterrupted music enjoyment.
• Offline downloads: Download your favorite tracks and listen without an internet connection. Perfect for commutes or travel.
• Live radio stations: Tune into curated radio stations covering a wide range of genres and themes.
• Original content: Enjoy exclusive interviews, documentaries, and concert recordings.
• Cross-device compatibility: Access your music on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android devices, smart TVs, and more.
• Spatial Audio: Experience immersive sound with compatible headphones and devices, bringing you closer to the music.

Apple Music offers various subscription plans, including individual, family, student, and voice plans. Each plan unlocks the full potential of the service, ensuring a comprehensive music listening experience.

Amazon Prime: More Than Just Music

Amazon Prime is a membership program that unlocks a diverse range of benefits, including:

• Free and fast shipping: Enjoy expedited delivery on eligible purchases from Amazon.
• Prime Video: Access a vast library of movies and TV shows for streaming.
• Prime Music: Stream millions of songs and podcasts with Amazon Music.
• Prime Reading: Borrow books, magazines, and comics from a selection of titles.
• Prime Gaming: Receive free games and in-game content each month.
• Exclusive deals and discounts: Access special promotions and savings opportunities.

While Amazon Prime includes Prime Music, it’s important to note that Prime Music is different from Amazon Music Unlimited. Prime Music offers a smaller catalog of songs and is included with the Prime membership. Amazon Music Unlimited, on the other hand, is a separate subscription service with a larger music library comparable to Apple Music.

The Prime Music Distinction: What You Get with Your Membership

Amazon Prime includes Prime Music, offering access to a catalog of approximately 2 million songs. However, this isn’t the same as the expansive library of Apple Music or Amazon Music Unlimited. Here’s what you need to know:

• Limited Catalog: Prime Music offers a smaller selection compared to other streaming services.
• Ad-Supported: While you can listen to music, you might encounter ads occasionally.
• Limited Offline Playback: Downloading songs for offline listening has limitations and might not be available for all tracks.
• Curated Playlists and Stations: You can enjoy pre-made playlists and radio stations tailored to various moods and genres.
• Basic Music Streaming: Prime Music is primarily a supplementary benefit of the Amazon Prime membership, offering a basic music streaming experience.

To get a truly comparable experience to Apple Music within the Amazon ecosystem, you’d need to subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited.

Why Apple Music Isn’t Included with Prime

The absence of Apple Music within the Amazon Prime bundle boils down to competition and business strategy. Both Apple and Amazon have their own respective music streaming services and want to drive subscriptions to their own platforms. Bundling a competitor’s service would undermine their individual subscription goals.

Furthermore, licensing agreements and revenue sharing would present complex negotiations. It’s simpler and more profitable for each company to maintain its independent music streaming service and attract subscribers individually.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use my Amazon Prime account to access Apple Music?

No, you cannot. Apple Music requires a separate Apple Music subscription, independent of your Amazon Prime account.

2. What music streaming services are included with Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime includes Prime Music, which offers access to a limited catalog of approximately 2 million songs.

3. Is Amazon Music Unlimited the same as Prime Music?

No, they are different. Prime Music is included with Amazon Prime and offers a smaller catalog. Amazon Music Unlimited is a separate subscription service with a much larger library, similar to Apple Music.

4. How much does Apple Music cost?

Apple Music offers various subscription plans, including:

• Voice Plan: $4.99/month
• Student Plan: $5.99/month
• Individual Plan: $10.99/month
• Family Plan: $16.99/month (up to six family members)

5. How much does Amazon Music Unlimited cost?

Amazon Music Unlimited costs $10.99/month for individual plans. Prime members receive a discounted rate of $9.99/month. A family plan is also available for $16.99/month.

6. Can I listen to Apple Music offline?

Yes, you can download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening with an Apple Music subscription.

7. Can I listen to Prime Music offline?

Yes, you can download some songs for offline listening with Prime Music, but there may be limitations on the number of tracks and availability.

8. Does Apple Music have a free trial?

Yes, Apple Music typically offers a free trial period for new subscribers. The duration of the trial may vary.

9. What devices are compatible with Apple Music?

Apple Music is compatible with a wide range of devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Android devices, smart TVs, Apple Watch, and more.

10. What devices are compatible with Amazon Music?

Amazon Music is compatible with devices like Echo devices, Fire TV, smartphones (iOS and Android), tablets, computers, and select smart TVs.

11. Is it possible to get a discount on Apple Music?

Yes, students can subscribe to the Apple Music Student plan at a discounted rate, and bundling with other Apple services may offer overall savings.

12. If I cancel my Amazon Prime membership, what happens to my Prime Music?

If you cancel your Amazon Prime membership, you will lose access to Prime Music. You would need to subscribe to Amazon Music Unlimited to continue streaming music on Amazon’s platform.

Making the Right Choice for Your Music Needs

Ultimately, the choice between Apple Music and Amazon Music depends on your individual preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a vast music library, exclusive content, and cross-device compatibility, Apple Music is a solid choice. If you’re already an Amazon Prime member and simply want access to some music streaming as part of your existing benefits, Prime Music might suffice. However, if you desire a comparable experience to Apple Music within the Amazon ecosystem, Amazon Music Unlimited is the way to go. Carefully consider your priorities and choose the service that best aligns with your listening habits and budget.