Apple Music has revolutionized the way we consume music, offering an unparalleled library of songs, playlists, and radio stations. However, its premium price can be a deterrent for many music enthusiasts. If you’re looking for ways to enjoy Apple Music without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll delve into the various methods to get Apple Music cheaper, exploring the options, benefits, and potential drawbacks of each approach.
Understanding Apple Music Pricing
Before we dive into the cost-saving strategies, it’s essential to understand the current pricing structure of Apple Music. The service offers several plans, including Individual, Family, and Student. The Individual plan costs $9.99 per month, while the Family plan, which supports up to six users, is priced at $14.99 per month. Students can enjoy a discounted rate of $4.99 per month, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
Discounts and Promotions
Apple occasionally offers discounts and promotions, which can be an excellent way to get Apple Music cheaper. These limited-time offers may include free trials, discounted subscription rates, or bundle deals with other Apple services. To stay informed about upcoming promotions, it’s crucial to keep an eye on Apple’s official website, social media channels, and authorized resellers.
Free Trials and Introductory Offers
New subscribers can take advantage of a free three-month trial, allowing them to experience Apple Music without committing to a paid subscription. This trial period is an excellent opportunity to explore the service, create playlists, and enjoy your favorite music without incurring any costs. After the trial ends, you can choose to continue with a paid subscription or cancel, depending on your satisfaction with the service.
Student Plan and Verification
The Apple Music Student plan is an attractive option for eligible students, offering a 50% discount on the Individual plan. To qualify for this discounted rate, you must be a student at an accredited institution, and your eligibility will be verified through a third-party service called UNiDAYS. The verification process is straightforward, requiring you to sign in with your institution’s credentials or provide proof of enrollment.
Family Plan Sharing
If you have a family member or friend who is already subscribed to the Apple Music Family plan, you can join their plan and split the cost. This approach not only reduces your individual expenses but also allows you to enjoy the benefits of a Family plan, including up to six user accounts and shared playlists. To join a Family plan, you’ll need to be invited by the plan’s organizer, and you’ll have to agree to share your location and other information with the group.
Bundle Deals and Partnerships
Apple has partnered with various companies to offer exclusive deals and discounts on Apple Music subscriptions. For example, Verizon customers can enjoy a free six-month subscription to Apple Music, while US Bank cardholders can receive a $5 monthly discount on their Apple Music subscription. These partnerships can be a great way to get Apple Music cheaper, especially if you’re already a customer of the participating company.
Gift Cards and Prepaid Subscriptions
You can purchase Apple Music gift cards or prepaid subscriptions from authorized resellers, which can be used to pay for your subscription. These gift cards often come with a discounted rate or bonus credit, allowing you to save money on your Apple Music subscription. Additionally, some retailers may offer cashback rewards or loyalty points when you purchase Apple Music gift cards or prepaid subscriptions from their stores.
Alternative Music Streaming Services
If you’re not tied to the Apple ecosystem, you may want to consider alternative music streaming services that offer similar features at a lower cost. Spotify, Google Play Music, and Amazon Music are popular options that provide a vast music library, personalized recommendations, and affordable pricing plans. While these services may not offer the exact same features as Apple Music, they can be a cost-effective alternative for music streaming.
Comparison of Music Streaming Services
When choosing a music streaming service, it’s essential to compare the features, pricing, and content offerings of each platform. The following table highlights the key differences between Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play Music, and Amazon Music:
| Service | Pricing | Music Library | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | $9.99/month (Individual), $14.99/month (Family) | 50 million songs | Personalized recommendations, live radio, lyrics |
| Spotify | $9.99/month (Premium), $14.99/month (Family) | 50 million songs | Discover Weekly, Release Radar, Spotify Connect |
| Google Play Music | $9.99/month (Individual), $14.99/month (Family) | 40 million songs | Personalized recommendations, YouTube Music integration |
| Amazon Music | $7.99/month (Prime members), $9.99/month (non-Prime members) | 50 million songs | Alexa integration, personalized recommendations, podcasts |
In conclusion, getting Apple Music cheaper requires some creativity and flexibility. By exploring discounts, promotions, and bundle deals, you can enjoy your favorite music without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a student, a family, or an individual, there are various options available to reduce your Apple Music subscription costs. Remember to always keep an eye on Apple’s official website and authorized resellers for limited-time offers, and consider alternative music streaming services if you’re not tied to the Apple ecosystem. With these tips and tricks, you can unlock affordable music and enjoy your favorite tunes without compromising your budget.
What is Apple Music and how does it work?
Apple Music is a music streaming service developed by Apple Inc. that allows users to stream millions of songs, playlists, and radio stations. The service provides access to a vast music library, including exclusive content from popular artists. Apple Music also offers personalized recommendations based on users’ listening habits, making it easy to discover new music. Additionally, the service allows users to create and share their own playlists, as well as follow their favorite artists to stay up-to-date with their latest releases.
To get started with Apple Music, users need to sign up for a subscription, which typically costs $9.99 per month for an individual plan. However, as we will discuss in this article, there are ways to get Apple Music at a cheaper rate. Once subscribed, users can access Apple Music on their iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Android device, as well as on their computer through the iTunes software. The service also offers a family plan, which allows up to six family members to share a subscription for a discounted price. With its user-friendly interface and extensive music library, Apple Music has become a popular choice among music lovers.
How can I get a free trial of Apple Music?
Apple Music offers a free three-month trial for new subscribers, allowing users to test the service before committing to a paid subscription. To sign up for a free trial, users need to go to the Apple Music website or open the Music app on their Apple device. They will then be prompted to create an account or sign in with their existing Apple ID. Once signed in, users can select the “Try it Free” option to start their three-month trial. During the trial period, users have access to all the features and content available on Apple Music, including exclusive releases and live radio stations.
It’s worth noting that the free trial is only available to new subscribers, and users who have previously subscribed to Apple Music are not eligible. Additionally, users need to cancel their subscription before the end of the trial period to avoid being charged for a full month of service. If users do not cancel, their subscription will automatically renew, and they will be charged the standard monthly fee. By taking advantage of the free trial, users can experience the benefits of Apple Music and decide whether it’s worth the cost before committing to a paid subscription.
What are the different pricing plans available for Apple Music?
Apple Music offers several pricing plans to cater to different user needs and budgets. The individual plan costs $9.99 per month and provides access to the full range of Apple Music features and content. The family plan, which costs $14.99 per month, allows up to six family members to share a subscription and enjoy the same benefits as individual subscribers. Apple Music also offers a student plan, which costs $4.99 per month and is available to eligible students with a valid .edu email address. Additionally, users can purchase an annual subscription for $99 per year, which works out to $8.25 per month.
The different pricing plans offer varying levels of access to Apple Music features and content. For example, the individual and family plans provide access to the full range of Apple Music features, including personalized recommendations, live radio stations, and exclusive releases. The student plan, on the other hand, offers the same features as the individual plan but at a discounted price. The annual subscription plan provides the same benefits as the individual plan but at a lower monthly cost. By choosing the right pricing plan, users can enjoy the benefits of Apple Music while staying within their budget.
Can I get a discount on Apple Music if I’m a student?
Yes, Apple Music offers a discounted plan for students, which costs $4.99 per month. To be eligible for the student plan, users must be currently enrolled in a college or university and have a valid .edu email address. The student plan provides access to the same features and content as the individual plan, including personalized recommendations, live radio stations, and exclusive releases. Students can sign up for the discounted plan by going to the Apple Music website and verifying their student status through a third-party service called UNiDAYS.
To verify their student status, users will need to provide their .edu email address and other information, such as their name and date of birth. Once verified, users can sign up for the student plan and enjoy the benefits of Apple Music at a discounted price. It’s worth noting that the student plan is only available to eligible students, and users must re-verify their student status every 12 months to continue receiving the discounted rate. By taking advantage of the student plan, eligible students can enjoy the benefits of Apple Music while staying within their budget.
How can I share an Apple Music subscription with my family?
Apple Music offers a family plan that allows up to six family members to share a subscription and enjoy the same benefits as individual subscribers. To set up a family plan, users need to go to the Apple Music website or open the Music app on their Apple device. They will then need to create a family group and invite family members to join. Once the family group is set up, users can share their Apple Music subscription with their family members, who will have access to the same features and content as the primary account holder.
To be eligible for the family plan, family members must be part of the same household and have their own Apple ID. The primary account holder will need to set up Family Sharing, which allows family members to share purchases, subscriptions, and other content. The family plan costs $14.99 per month, which works out to $2.49 per person for a family of six. By sharing an Apple Music subscription with their family, users can enjoy the benefits of the service while splitting the cost with their loved ones.
Are there any promotions or deals available for Apple Music?
Yes, Apple Music occasionally offers promotions and deals that can help users save money on their subscription. For example, Apple may offer a discounted rate for new subscribers or a free trial extension for existing users. Additionally, some mobile carriers and streaming devices may offer exclusive deals or discounts on Apple Music subscriptions. Users can check the Apple Music website or follow Apple on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest promotions and deals.
To take advantage of promotions and deals, users should keep an eye on the Apple Music website and look for special offers or discounts. They can also check with their mobile carrier or streaming device manufacturer to see if they offer any exclusive deals on Apple Music subscriptions. By taking advantage of promotions and deals, users can enjoy the benefits of Apple Music while saving money on their subscription. It’s worth noting that promotions and deals may be limited-time only, so users should act quickly to take advantage of them before they expire.
Can I cancel my Apple Music subscription at any time?
Yes, users can cancel their Apple Music subscription at any time, and the cancellation will take effect at the end of the current billing cycle. To cancel their subscription, users need to go to the Apple Music website or open the Music app on their Apple device. They will then need to sign in with their Apple ID and select the “Account” or “Settings” option. From there, users can select the “Cancel Subscription” option to cancel their Apple Music subscription.
It’s worth noting that users who cancel their subscription will still have access to Apple Music until the end of their current billing cycle. After the billing cycle ends, users will no longer have access to Apple Music features and content, and they will not be charged for the service. If users want to restart their subscription, they can do so at any time by signing in to their Apple ID and selecting the “Resume Subscription” option. By canceling their subscription, users can avoid being charged for a service they no longer want or need, and they can always restart their subscription if they change their mind.