Apple Music has raised subscription prices in the United States, with the family plan now costing US$ 19.99 per month for up to six accounts. The increase puts more pressure on households, although the plan remains cheaper than Spotify Premium’s US$ 21.99 family tier.
The individual plan has moved from US$ 10.99 to US$ 11.99 per month. Apple Music’s student plan has also increased by US$ 1 and is now priced at US$ 6.99 per month.
Apple Cites Higher Licensing Costs
Apple said the changes took effect when the announcement was made. “As a result of increased licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing the price of its subscriptions starting today,” the company said.
The revision is the first Apple Music price increase since the service changed its rates in the fall of 2022. Higher music licensing costs were identified as the main reason for the latest adjustment.
Student access remains limited to verified college students enrolled at degree-granting institutions. That eligibility requirement means the lower-priced plan is not available to every user seeking a discounted subscription.
| Plan | Previous Apple Music Price | Current Apple Music Price | Current Spotify Premium Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual | US$ 10.99 | US$ 11.99 | US$ 12.99 |
| Family, up to 6 accounts | US$ 16.99 | US$ 19.99 | US$ 21.99 |
| Student | US$ 5.99 | US$ 6.99 | — |
A Smaller Gap With Spotify
Apple Music still costs US$ 1 less than Spotify Premium for an individual subscription. Its family plan also remains US$ 2 below Spotify’s equivalent option for up to six accounts.
Spotify raised its own prices earlier this year. Its individual plan had previously cost US$ 11.99 per month, while its family plan increased from US$ 19.99 per month.
The narrowing difference illustrates how music streaming prices are becoming a more visible part of competition between major platforms. Catalog depth, sound quality and additional features can now matter as much as the monthly bill for customers comparing services.
Features Beyond the Monthly Price
Apple Music offers more than 100 million ad-free songs and allows music downloads for offline listening. The service also includes artist-exclusive content and curated playlists.
Spatial audio and lossless audio are among the audio features Apple uses to distinguish the platform. The app also provides lyric translation, lyric pronunciation, Automix, library pins and Replay statistics.
Apple has expanded Apple Music Sing so an iPhone can function as a microphone when connected to a television for home karaoke. The feature adds a social entertainment option beyond standard music playback.
Beritasatu.com, citing Variety, reported that Apple reached record highs for listeners and new subscribers throughout 2025. Apple did not disclose a detailed total for Apple Music users.
The latest price changes underline the continuing role of licensing expenses in the streaming business. For subscribers, the choice between Apple Music and Spotify Premium now depends on whether their preferred features justify the remaining price gap.
