Apple Music Subscription Plans in 2026

Apple Music offers several subscription tiers, each designed for different user needs. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the available plans and their features:

Individual PlanThe Individual Plan is priced at $10.99 per month and provides full access to Apple Music’s entire catalog. Subscribers enjoy ad-free streaming, personalized playlists, offline downloads, and high-quality audio features like lossless and spatial audio. This plan is ideal for solo listeners who want a premium experience without sharing their account.
Student PlanFor eligible college and university students, Apple Music offers a discounted Student Plan at $5.99 per month. This plan includes all the features of the Individual Plan, plus free access to Apple TV+. Students can enjoy this discount for up to four years, provided they remain enrolled in an eligible institution.
Family PlanThe Family Plan costs $16.99 per month and allows up to six family members to share a single subscription. Each member gets their own personalized account, with access to the full Apple Music library, offline downloads, and premium audio features. This plan is perfect for households looking to save money while enjoying Apple Music together.
Apple One BundlesApple One bundles Apple Music with other Apple services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, Apple News+, and iCloud+ storage. Pricing starts at $19.95 per month for the Individual plan and goes up to $37.95 per month for the Premier plan, which includes family sharing. These bundles offer significant savings compared to subscribing to each service individually.
Voice PlanApple Music also offers a Voice Plan for $4.99 per month, designed for users who primarily interact with the service via Siri. This plan provides access to the full music library but does not include features like lossless audio, spatial sound, or music videos.

Current Market Price and Deals

As of January 2026, Apple Music’s pricing remains competitive with other major streaming services like Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music. Here’s how Apple Music stacks up:

Spotify Premium is priced at $11.99 per month for individuals, making Apple Music slightly more affordable.
Amazon Music Unlimited costs $10.99 per month for Prime members and $9.99 per month for non-members, but lacks some of Apple Music’s premium audio features.
YouTube Music Premium is available for $10.99 per month, with a student plan at $5.49 per month and a family plan at $16.99 per month.

Apple Music frequently offers promotions, such as free trials for new subscribers and discounts for students. Additionally, Apple One bundles provide significant savings for users who subscribe to multiple Apple services.

Pros and Cons of Apple Music

Pros

High-Quality Audio: Apple Music includes lossless audio and Dolby Atmos spatial sound at no extra cost, providing an immersive listening experience.
Seamless Integration: Apple Music integrates flawlessly with Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and HomePods.
AI-Curated Playlists: The service offers personalized playlists and recommendations based on your listening habits.
No Ads: All plans are ad-free, ensuring uninterrupted listening.
Family Sharing: The Family Plan allows up to six users to share a single subscription, making it cost-effective for households.

Cons

No Free Tier: Unlike Spotify, Apple Music does not offer a free, ad-supported tier.
Limited Android Features: While Apple Music is available on Android, some features are optimized for Apple devices.
Price Increases: Apple Music has raised its prices in recent years, making it slightly more expensive than some competitors.

How to Save on Apple Music Subscriptions

If you’re looking to reduce your Apple Music costs, consider these money-saving tips:

Student Discount: Eligible students can save 50% on the Individual Plan, reducing the monthly cost to $5.99.
Family Plan: Sharing a Family Plan with up to five other people reduces the per-person cost to less than $3 per month.
Apple One Bundle: Bundling Apple Music with other Apple services can save you up to 46% compared to subscribing individually.
Free Trials: New users can take advantage of free trial offers, which typically last one month.
Promotions: Apple occasionally offers extended free trials or discounts, especially during holidays or with the purchase of new Apple devices.

Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Apple Music

Enable Lossless Audio: To enjoy the highest audio quality, go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality and select Lossless or Hi-Res Lossless.
Use Siri for Hands-Free Control: You can ask Siri to play specific songs, artists, or playlists, making it easy to control your music without touching your device.
Download Music for Offline Listening: Save your favorite songs and playlists to your device to listen without an internet connection.
Explore Curated Playlists: Apple Music’s editorial team creates playlists for every mood and genre, helping you discover new music.
Share Music with Friends: Use the SharePlay feature to listen to music with friends in real-time, even when you’re apart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple Music worth it in 2026?

Yes, Apple Music is worth it for users who value high-quality audio, seamless integration with Apple devices, and personalized playlists. Its lack of ads and family-sharing options also add significant value.

Can I share my Apple Music subscription?

Yes, the Family Plan allows you to share your subscription with up to five other people, each with their own personalized account.

Does Apple Music offer a free trial?

Yes, new subscribers can typically enjoy a one-month free trial before being charged.

How does Apple Music compare to Spotify?

Apple Music offers better audio quality with lossless and spatial audio, while Spotify has a free tier and stronger social features. The choice depends on your priorities—audio quality or cost savings.

Can I use Apple Music on Android?

Yes, Apple Music is available on Android devices, though some features are optimized for Apple’s ecosystem.

What is Apple One?

Apple One is a bundle that combines Apple Music with other Apple services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ storage, offering significant savings compared to subscribing to each service separately.

Does Apple Music pay artists fairly?

Apple Music pays artists an average of $0.01 per stream, which is higher than many competitors. The exact payout depends on the user’s subscription plan and region.

Conclusion

Apple Music remains a top-tier music streaming service in 2026, offering a rich library of songs, premium audio features, and flexible subscription plans. Whether you’re an individual listener, a student, or part of a family, there’s a plan to suit your needs and budget. By taking advantage of discounts, bundles, and free trials, you can enjoy Apple Music’s premium features while saving money.

With its seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem, high-quality audio, and personalized recommendations, Apple Music is a strong choice for anyone looking to elevate their music streaming experience.