Apple has quietly increased the price of Apple Music in the US, with individual subscriptions now costing $11.99 per month instead of $10.99.
The change also affects Family and Student plans. In addition, several Apple One bundles are impacted. The price rise comes almost four years after Apple last increased Apple Music subscription fees in October 2022.
The biggest jump is for the Apple Music Family plan, which now costs $19.99 per month, up from $16.99. The Student plan has also increased by $1, bringing the monthly fee to $6.99.
Apple has also adjusted pricing for two of its Apple One bundles. While the Individual plan remains unchanged, the Family tier now costs $27.95 per month, up by $2. Meanwhile, the Premier plan has increased to $39.95 per month. Apple has also confirmed similar price increases in Brazil.
In a statement to Music Business Worldwide, Apple said the latest changes are “the result of rising licensing costs,” suggesting that higher payments to rights holders and music labels are behind the increase.
The price hike means Apple Music now sits closer to many of its biggest streaming rivals. However, the service continues to distinguish itself with features such as Lossless Audio, Hi-Res Lossless, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, live radio stations and a catalogue of more than 100 million songs.
For existing subscribers, the increase is relatively modest on the Individual plan, but families will notice a more significant jump. Moreover, an extra $3 each month adds up to $36 more per year. This makes it one of the largest increases Apple has introduced for the service.
Spotify, YouTube Music and other services have all introduced price increases in recent years. As a result, premium music subscriptions are becoming steadily more expensive across the board.
If you’re already subscribed, the updated pricing should appear on your next billing cycle. New customers signing up from today will pay the new rates immediately. Meanwhile, anyone considering Apple’s wider ecosystem may want to compare whether an Apple One bundle now offers better overall value than paying for Apple Music on its own.
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