Apple Music launched in 2015 and quickly became Spotify’s biggest rival, now boasting over 110 million subscribers worldwide. Built into iPhones, Macs, and HomePods, it’s deeply tied to the Apple ecosystem. Its audience skews toward people who care about sound quality and already own Apple devices. Apple Music’s big differentiator? It offers lossless and Hi-Res audio at no extra cost, plus Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which makes it a favorite among audiophiles.
Pros:
- Lossless, Hi-Res, and Spatial Audio included for free.
- Seamless Apple device integration.
- Huge catalog and curated playlists.
- Regular extended free trials with Apple products.
Cons:
- Discovery is weaker than Spotify
- Interface can feel cluttered
- Works best in the Apple ecosystem; Android users get a less polished experience.
Library & Content
Apple Music has over 100 million songs, putting it on par with Spotify and Amazon Music. It also features 30,000 curated playlists, music videos, and exclusive content like live radio shows (Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, Apple Music Country). Unlike YouTube Music, it doesn’t dabble in unofficial remixes or uploads; it’s strictly official catalog. Apple also offers concert films, artist exclusives, and time-limited early releases (often from big-name artists).
Package Tiers & Pricing
- Individual: $10.99/month
- Family (up to 6 accounts): $16.99/month
- Student: $5.99/month
- Apple One Bundle: From $19.95/month (includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, Apple Arcade; higher tiers add Apple News+ and Fitness+).
Annual billing is available at $109/year for individuals.
Bundling Opportunities
Apple Music is a core part of Apple One, which makes it more affordable if you’re already paying for multiple Apple services. Students get Apple TV+ bundled in with their Apple Music subscription. Carriers like Verizon have also offered Apple Music included with specific plans.
Historical Pricing & Deal Analysis
Apple Music launched at $9.99/month, and the price was raised to $10.99 in 2022. Unlike Spotify, Apple has been quicker to expand features (adding lossless + Hi-Res + Spatial Audio at no extra cost in 2021). Free trials are standard (1 month), but Apple often runs extended promos (3–6 months free) with new iPhones, Macs, AirPods, and even some third-party devices.
Device Compatibility & Features
While Apple Music shines on iPhones, Macs, and Apple Watches, it’s also available on Android, Windows (via iTunes), Sonos, and smart speakers. Features include offline downloads, curated playlists, lyrics synced in real-time, and integration with Siri and Apple CarPlay. Audio quality ranges from standard AAC up to Hi-Res Lossless (24-bit/192 kHz). Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio is available on supported devices with headphones or speakers.
User Experience
The interface is visually polished, but some users find it cluttered compared to Spotify’s simplicity. Discovery is more editorial than algorithm-driven, curated playlists are excellent, but Spotify still wins on personalization. The “Listen Now” tab helps surface favorites and new releases, though it’s less intuitive for casual users.
Additional Costs & Fees
No hidden fees. The only extra costs would be if you subscribe via Apple One or purchase music outright from the iTunes Store (separate from streaming).
Current Promotions
- 1-month free trial for all new users.
- 3–6 months free with Apple devices (AirPods, iPhone, Mac, etc.).
- Student plan includes Apple TV+ for free.
Final Verdict
Apple Music is the best streaming service for sound quality lovers and anyone already using Apple devices. If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, it’s a no-brainer. If you value discovery more than audio fidelity, Spotify still holds the crown.
