Apple Music Raises Subscription Prices Worldwide - Here's Why

Apple Music has raised subscription prices in several markets around the world, including the United States, marking the first price increase for the service since late 2022.

Apple Music increases subscription costs

The new rates affect individual, family and student plans in the US. The individual subscription increased from $10.99 to $11.99 per month, while the family plan, which allows for up to six accounts, rose from $16.99 to $19.99. The student plan is now priced at $6.99 per month, up from $5.99, and is available to verified students enrolled at degree-granting universities.

In a statement, Apple said: “Due to rising licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing its subscription price starting today.

The price adjustments come as music streaming platforms face rising licensing costs. Despite the increase, Apple Music remains cheaper than Spotify at comparable US primary subscription levels.

Spotify raised the price of its individual premium plan in the US to $12.99 per month from $11.99 earlier this year. Its family plan, which also supports up to six accounts, has increased from $19.99 to $21.99 per month.

Apple Music was launched in 2015 and has since become one of the major players in the global music streaming market. The service offers ad-free access to more than 100 million songs, along with offline downloads, exclusive artist content and curated playlists.

The platform also offers music in Spatial Audio and lossless audio formats, features that are increasingly becoming part of the competition among major streaming services. The latest price hike reflects continued pressure on streaming platforms from rising licensing costs, while Apple Music remains positioned as a cheaper alternative to Spotify in several key US plans.