Apple launched its Music subscription service 11 years ago, in 2015. The prices have just increased. Here are the details and the thinking behind the new pricing.
At launch, it cost $9.99 a month, or £9.99 in the U.K. Then in 2022, the price went up to $10.99 (£10.99 U.K.) and $16.99 for a family subscription of up to six people in a household (£16.99 U.K.).
The New Apple Music Price Tiers
As of today, Apple Music now costs $11.99 a month (£11.99 U.K.) with the family subscription priced at $19.99, or £19.99 in the U.K. In other words, they’ve gone up by $1 a month for individuals, $3 a month for families.
As before, new subscribers get the first month for free. And as before, Apple Music Classical, the comprehensive classical music service remains a separate app but at no extra cost to the core Apple Music subscription.
Why Is Apple Music Getting More Expensive?
“As a result of rising licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing its subscription price beginning today,” Apple told me in a statement.
Apple, as I understand it, is increasing the price as part of its continuing commitment that artists’ work shouldn’t be free. The company has been consistent that it wants to pay artists.
Student Plans
There’s no free level of service for Apple Music, as there is for Spotify. But there is a Student subscription plan which is very strong value. That’s increased by $1 to $6.99 a month but, and this is a crucial distinction, it includes free access to Apple TV, which normally costs $12.99 a month.
It’s worth adding that this price increase is not regional, when it’s caused by foreign exchange fluctuations, and the increases are being applied globally.
Price upticks are commonplace at the moment and none is welcome. The recent price increases for iPad, Mac, Apple TV and other products has shown things are volatile.
But at least this is the first price increase in around four years for Apple Music.