Apple Music is Apple’s music streaming service that was first introduced at WWDC 2015. The service launched that same summer and positions Apple as a direct competitor to services like Spotify and Google Play Music. Apple Music allows users to access millions of tracks instantly, for a set monthly rate. Music can be downloaded for offline listening, as well as streamed from the cloud.
Apple Music is accessible via the built-in iOS Music app, which gets a major redesign with iOS 10, as well as with iTunes on the Mac and PC. While some have called for Apple to break Apple Music into a separate app, especially on the Mac, the company has shown no signs of being willing to do that. Apple Music is also available on Android, making it the first Apple service to come to Google’s mobile operating system.
Alongside Apple Music, Apple introduced an always-on streaming radio service called Beats 1. Spearheaded by Zane Lowe, Beats 1 features a wide array of shows, many of which are hosted by celebrities such as DJ Khaled, Elton John, and Pharrell. Beats 1 doesn’t require an Apple Music subscription, however, and is accessible to everyone via iTunes and the Music app.
Apple Music is $9.99 per month for one user, while a family plan is also available for $14.99. Students also get a steep discount, with a student tier offering the service for just $4.99. Best of all, there’s a 3-month free trial.
With a massive song library, integration into the familiar Music app, and deep discounts on family plans, Apple Music has positioned itself as a true competitor to Spotify.
Read our full review here.
