Is Apple Music worth it? Given the popularity of the music streaming service from one of the biggest tech giants in the world, this question seems almost obvious. Since its launch in 2015, it has become a household name among music lovers and today boasts of no less than 60 million songs in its library. Needless to say, this number continues to grow.
However, one thing to remember is that users are also very frugal by nature. They want to get a huge bang for their buck, especially during Covid-19 times when every dollar counts.
Apple Music charges a subscription fee for all of its plans, so you can't use the service for free. In addition, Apple has serious contenders in the ring, such as the very popular Spotify and rising star Tidal. That's why the question needs to be asked: is Apple Music worth buying?
The following ideas will give you an honest assessment of the pros and cons of Apple Music, including subscription fees and services. We'll provide you with an Apple Music review to help you weigh your decisions on whether the music streaming service is worth paying for.
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About Apple Music
Apple Music is Apple's music streaming service and is positioned as a direct competitor to other popular streaming services such as Spotify, Google Play Music, Amazon Music and Tidal. The platform, launched in 2015, has reached 60 million songs in its catalogue.
Since its launch, Apple Music has quickly gained popularity, reaching 6 million subscribers in just 10 months. It has a wide range of music options, exclusive content and live radio broadcasts. Apple Music is what you need if you want to listen to music without ads (and even download and play your favorite tracks offline) and access exclusive content. Additionally, here are the main features of Apple Music:
- Ad-free music and video streaming
- 100,000 songs downloaded to your library
- Online and offline listening
- 60 million songs in your music library
- Download and collate your personal music library for streaming on any device
- Access to all devices
- Original exclusives, shows and concerts
- Beats 1 24 hour radio station
- Radio shows on demand
How to Upgrade from an Apple Music Individual Plan to a Family Plan
If you want to create your own family plan, keep in mind that you will first need to be the family organizer for your family exchange group. If you haven't already done so, go to Settings > iCloud > Set up Family Sharing to begin this process.
Once you've set up your Family Sharing group, you'll learn how to change your account
- Open the Music app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Click For You .
- Click Account icon in the upper right corner.
- Click Upgrade to Family Plan .
- Click Update .
- Confirm your purchase family plan updates.
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Subscription Plans and Pricing
Unlike Spotify, Apple Music doesn't offer a "free version" that plays ads. Anyone who signs up for this service will pay a monthly fee. But with its interesting exclusives and live radio shows, it's worth the subscription.
Before we dive in, it's worth noting that all Apple Music price points offer access to the same catalog of ad-free music, offline listening, on-demand radio shows, exclusive releases, and Beats 1 live streaming. The main difference is its family plan, which we'll talk about a little later.
The most basic Apple Music plan costs $9.99 per month in the US. Students can get a discount by cutting the price of the plan in half, meaning they only pay $4.99 per month to subscribe to the music streaming service.
There is also a family plan where you can enroll 6 people in your family. At $14.99 per month, users can save big as it allows access for up to 6 people, each with their own personal account. To do the math, that only nets you $2.50 per user per month for 6 people using Apple Music.
What you need to remember about your iCloud+ subscription
The Apple Cloud Extra Space subscription is the only option that can be added to any of the single subscription options described above.
This feature is provided for a more flexible choice of the required cloud storage. For example, a user with an individual subscription will not be limited to 50 GB of cloud capacity. He can always purchase any of the available iCloud+ plans and expand his cloud space by 50 GB, 200 GB or 2 TB by choosing the desired subscription option.
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However, the available cloud storage will be combined from any Apple One subscription option and a separate iCloud+ subscription. So the maximum amount of available storage can be 4 TB when paying for the two most expensive tariffs.
In addition to available cloud space, this subscription provides users with a number of additional features. This is why the service acquired the “+” after the summer presentation of WWDC 2021.
The price for a cloud subscription has not changed, and the “plus” features are not available in all countries. When paying for the iCloud+ service, the user will receive the following benefits:
▶ iCloud Private Relay is an analogue of the VPN service built into Apple technology. At the moment, the feature operates in beta status and is not available in a number of countries due to local legislation restrictions.
▶ Advanced mail capabilities . The service offers the ability to hide your email when working with other sites, replacing it with generated temporary aliases. In addition, the user can create his own email domain for work or personal purposes.
▶ HomeKit Secure Video . This option allows you to store recordings from surveillance cameras connected to the HomeKit smart home control system in the Apple cloud. In this case, the video will not take up available disk space from the user’s cloud.
When you pay for the basic 50 GB plan, you can download videos from one camera, the 200 GB plan allows you to use up to five cameras, and the maximum 2 TB plan will not limit the number of cameras.
Any iCloud+ subscription option includes family use. If you turn on Family Sharing and add up to five additional family members, each of them will have access to additional iCloud storage. The total volume of data stored by all family members cannot exceed the limit of the selected tariff.
Each family member with their own Apple ID account will have an isolated space in the cloud . Photos, videos, documents and other data will not be visible to other family members.
The available space in the cloud will be distributed among all members of family access, and you can view statistics on the occupied space by each user using these instructions.
Device Compatibility
Apple Music is available on all iOS devices: built-in iOS Music app, iTunes on PC, Apple Music, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple CarPlay and Apple HomePod. Additionally, you can also play on Amazon Echo devices, Android devices, Sonos, and Amazon Fire TV.
In April 2022, it officially launched music streaming in your web browser. This web version is convenient for users using Windows computers so that they can easily access the platform without having to download the iTunes software. Users who use their desktop can easily access it even if they are not using a Mac computer.
Note: Appe Music is compatible with iPhone/iPod touch running version 8.4 or later, iPadOS devices running version 13.0 or later, Music app on macOS Catalina or later, iTunes version 12.2 or later for Windows PC. (Learn how to play Apple Music on iPod classic / iPod shuffle / iPod nano / iPod Touch.)
Video tutorial: how to unsubscribe from Apple Music in 2 minutes
Apple services provide a lot of positive opportunities, simplifying the lives of many users. But, like all good things, you have to pay for them. Apple has chosen to pay monthly rather than one-time fees for their apps. This certainly has its advantages, since you can choose the type of subscription to suit your needs and capabilities, and also refuse to renew it at any time. It's worth remembering that not all tracks will initially be available in the Music app, as some of them are censored. To access them, give special permission in your phone settings.
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Music quality
Apple Music uses 256 kbps AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) music files. Just for comparison, Spotify uses the Ogg Vorbis format at 320Kbps. At first glance, a higher Spotify number may look like better quality, but it's worth noting that these compression formats provide different audio profiles, so they're not comparable at all. Suffice it to say that both have good basic characteristics that music lovers prefer over MP3. Hence, this means that you will get excellent quality music using this service.
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DRM
Apple Music allows you to download songs for offline playback. This means you can continue to listen to your favorite music even if you don't have Internet access, which is important when traveling by plane or in areas without service.
Like many other music streaming services, downloaded content is protected by DRM (digital rights management). Additionally, any downloaded audio will no longer play once your subscription is cancelled. This is necessary to protect the materials for legal purposes.
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iPhone accessories
Otter+Pop Series Symmetry Case ($50 and up at OtterBox)
The Otter + Pop Symmetry Series case for your iPhone model is a great buy. It has a built-in Popsocket on the back that sits flush when not in use, and this makes using the phone much easier with one hand. Manage your email like a boss!
Maxboost Screen Protector ($14 at Amazon)
Make sure you protect your iPhone screen! This option from Maxboost for iPhone XS provides tempered glass screen protection for your screen so it's protected from everyday scratches and wear and tear. It's only 0.25mm thin and with 99% accuracy, it looks like nothing is there. Plus you get three in one package, not a bad deal.
Features of Apple Music
Apart from the core features we've listed above, Apple Music also boasts features that give you a more personalized music streaming experience. Its catalog of 60 million songs can be easily accessed from any of your devices.
First of all, iCloud Music Library is a reliable platform where you can add music to Apple Music through Mac and then it will be available on all devices. This is where Apple Music exclusives come in handy. For example, when Taylor Swift released her album Reputation in 2022, it was not available on Apple Music or Spotify for three weeks. However, Apple Music subscribers can purchase it from iTunes, where it is automatically added to your music library. This means you can listen to the album on your Apple Music account. This isn't possible on Spotify at all, since when you buy an album, it will live in your iPhone's music app.
Another unique feature is the For You functionality. It intelligently suggests what music to listen to based on algorithms based on the time of day, and also suggests what your friends are listening to via social media. Personalized Playlists , which are updated weekly, also include a New Music Mix, a Friends Mix, a Relaxation Mix, and a Favorites Mix.
replay is a new feature debuting in November 2022 where users are given a playlist of the music they most listened to in 2019. Not only that, but it can give you a wave of nostalgia as this collection also collates your listening history, starting all the way to 2015. It gives you interesting information about your favorite artists, albums and songs, and it is constantly updated. Unlike Spotify Wrapped, which is only available for annual review purposes, Replay is available year-round.
It's worth mentioning a rather hidden feature: Apple Music Lyrics. Not many people know about this, but it is a convenient feature to access. Not only can you search for song lyrics, but you can also view them in the app to sing along to your favorite tunes.
Deletes 1 is a unique offering from Apple where you can listen to a live broadcast around the world for 24 hours. In fact, you don't even need an Apple Music subscription to access this.
What kind of subscription is this?
A family account in the music service costs 269 rubles, at first glance it costs more, but there is one small nuance - six people can use it for their own pleasure at the same time. Using simple calculations, we find that if six people immediately “chip in” for an Apple Music family subscription, then the account will cost you not 169 rubles per month, but only 44 rubles 83 kopecks per person. The difference is huge, you will agree.
User Experience
All these features mentioned above are available on Apple Music on any device. Each device offers Apple's signature minimalist, clear and clean interface. Switching between different devices can also be done seamlessly as all your data is synced in real time.
Navigating the app is also easy. On your mobile device (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Android device), you can explore the app using the tabs at the bottom of the screen. Meanwhile, it's in the sidebar of your Mac and in the tabs at the top of your Apple TV screen.
Meanwhile, all the music in your Apple Music is available across all your devices. For a smoother connection, you can even manage and listen to your music on your Apple Watch. Plus, you can play the same music on all the stereos in your room, or play different music on each one using AirPlay 2. With all of the above, you have so much control over your music that you can personalize your listening experience no matter what device you are using.
Can I manage playlists?
Of course. You can add new songs to your list, delete old tracks, and all this will be available to your “family members.” You'll also be able to view playlists from users you follow on the music service. You won’t have other people’s music stored in folders on your phone; you can also hide other people’s playlists if you wish. Or, on the contrary, watch them and find for yourself something new, interesting in sound and style. Perhaps your tastes and those of your friends will coincide, or you will be able to find something else in common between you.
Pros of Apple Music - What We Like
#1: Adding Your Own Music to Apple Music
The killer feature of Apple Music is that it allows you to add your own music to your iCloud Music Library so that you can sync and listen to your music across all your devices seamlessly.
#2: Listening Offline
Apple Music gives you the ability to download a song, album, or playlist to your library for offline listening. One of the features that many Apple Music users like is that you can download songs from an entire playlist/album or download songs individually.
No. 3: Wide variety of music
We already mentioned that Apple Music has 60 million songs (and counting) in its music arsenal. Today, its closest competitor Spotify has just 50 million, according to Business of Apps. That's a staggering 10 million difference. But upon closer inspection, you'll see that the entries contain more than just numbers—they reflect the ferocity and speed with which Apple Music delivers your favorite songs and playlist to you.
Music lovers who want to complete their favorite artists' playlists will choose a streaming service that is the most aggressive when it comes to purchasing music. This ability to get more songs and playlists in record time is one of the advantages Apple Music has over Spotify.
#4: Beats 1 Radio
Beats 1 Radio from Apple Music puts the listener at the forefront of the music experience. It offers 24/7 live radio broadcasts hosted by Apple resident DJs from Los Angeles, New York and London. What gives Beats 24 Radio an edge over other streaming services like podcasts is that it's live. Music, from popular hits to new tunes, is played with insightful, intelligent commentary from DJs. Beyond music, Beats 7 Radio also gives you space during interviews with your favorite artists.
#5: Frugal Family Plan
There is nothing like music to awaken a tired or depressed soul. An hour or 30 minutes of relaxation with your best artist playing their music away from the rest of the world can rid you of the quarantine blues. This is one way to recharge if you're working from home remotely. For more tips on increasing productivity through WFH, check out these 10 morale boosters for remote workers.
Your loved ones can enjoy the same musical sanctuary that comes with Apple Music Family Plan benefits. For $14.99 per month (which is just $5 more than the individual plan), they can enjoy unlimited streaming time. Each of them - your partner and children - can access their personal libraries 24/7 from all their devices. Each library will be customized to suit their listening tastes and separated from others to protect their privacy, choice and listening time.
#6: Listening via Web Browser
The Apple Music web player switches your listening experience from the iTunes headphone format to a visually immersive web experience. It syncs your iTunes experience with your web browser of choice such as Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, etc.
The transition from viewing to listening is seamless and applies to all your devices. For example, by searching in your browser, you can easily access music.apple.com and listen to your favorite music. You wouldn't have to click on another app outside of the browser.
Navigating Apple Music Web Player in your browser of choice is a visually appealing journey. Tabs filled with images can show you your options. Through Browse you can view all the titles available on the Internet. "For You" provides a list of recommendations based on your past choices that you might like. Your own library, synced to your original Apple Music playlist, highlights "Recently Added" music, as well as the "Artists" and "Albums" that are at the top of your list.
#7: Custom options
Listening to, saving and replaying your favorite songs is just the surface of the fun of music streaming. With the right tool, you can edit your playlist to highlight the most memorable moments. You can change their position in the playlist, putting the ones you really like at the top of your listening list. You can change the genre, album cover image, and even add lyrics to your favorite Apple Music tracks.
Cons of Apple Music - what we don't like
#1: No free plan
Unlike main competitor Spotify, Apple Music doesn't offer a free plan. You must pay for its services and offers upon registration. The benefit of this is that, unlike Spotify's free plan, ads won't interfere with your listening enjoyment. However, for the budget-conscious or just curious who just want to try Apple Music without paying an upfront fee right away, the no-free plan scenario may be a loser.
With that said, Apple Music is offering interested users plenty of time to check out the service for free with a 3-month free trial.
#2: Subpar Podcast
This is one of the few times Apple Music loses out to its main competitors. In comparison, streaming service Spotify seamlessly mixes its podcast playlist with its music tunes. A Spotify user can browse the podcast and music sections without leaving the app.
On the other hand, Apple keeps its podcasts separate from its entire collection of songs and musical numbers in a separate app. So, an Apple Music user who wants to use Apple Podcasts will have to first sign out of Apple Music and then sign in to the new app.
#3: Limit to protected songs
Apple protects digital access to its songs, sometimes at the subscriber's or user's expense. This is one of the complaints Apple Music critics are lobbying for. Member can download songs and play them offline, but only under certain conditions. First, he needs to register with Apple before he can play those downloaded songs that are currently on his smart device. Secondly, once he cancels his subscription, he will no longer be able to play them, even if they are on his smartphone, for example. The lesson Apple appears to be teaching is clear enough: don't unsubscribe, don't stop being a member, and don't lose access to your songs. There is sound business pragmatism behind this practice, but angry customers may see it as a subtle means of control.
How to remove protection from Apple music tracks? TuneFab Apple Music Converter is one of those tools created by a third party to improve the Apple Music user experience. Its main function is to convert music stored by Apple from its protected format (.m4p) to the unprotected formats you use more often. These include AAC, FLAC, M4A, M4R and MP3. However, you can save it on your other devices, such as a laptop or tablet. You can even listen to it offline.
