Apple Music Raises Streaming Subscription Prices for First Time in Nearly Four Years
Apple Music has implemented its first subscription rate increase in nearly four years, raising costs across all its plan offerings. The individual subscription tier now costs $11.99 monthly (previously $10.99), whilst the family plan climbed to $19.99 (from $16.99) and the student option rose to $6.99 (from $5.99). Apple last adjusted pricing in October 2022, citing increased licensing costs as the driver.
The price adjustment reflects broader industry momentum, as rival Spotify has enacted three separate rate increases since mid-2023, bringing its standard individual plan to $12.99. An Apple Music executive defended the decision by highlighting the platform's distinction as the only major music streamer operating without a free or ad-supported tier, contending that complimentary options undermine the pricing power of paid services and ultimately reduce compensation available to artists and songwriters.
- Apple Music raised subscription prices across all tiers for the first time since 2022, with the individual plan now $11.99/month
- The increase mirrors Spotify's strategy of regular price adjustments; Spotify's individual plan currently costs $12.99
- Apple Music justified the move by touting its lack of a free tier, arguing ad-supported options undervalue songwriters and artists