Apple Music raised prices to $11.99/month, citing rising licensing costs. The increase narrows the gap with Spotify's $12.99 plan and reflects industry-wide cost pressure.
Apple raised prices on its Music subscription service across the United States on Wednesday, the first increase since late 2022. The individual plan rose to $11.99 a month from $10.99. The family plan, which covers up to six accounts, moved to $19.99 from $16.99. The student plan is now $6.99, up from $5.99.
Apple said the increase reflects higher licensing costs from music labels. “As a result of rising licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing its subscription price beginning today,” the company said in a statement.
The move follows a similar price hike by Spotify earlier this year. Spotify raised its individual plan to $12.99 a month from $11.99. Its family plan now costs $21.99, up from $19.99. Apple Music’s individual plan remains $1 cheaper than Spotify’s, and the family plan is $2 cheaper.
Licensing fees paid to record labels and publishers have climbed. Apple’s increase suggests the company sees room to pass those costs to subscribers. Apple Music, launched in 2015, offers access to more than 100 million songs without advertisements, offline downloads, exclusive artist content, and curated playlists.
Apple Music’s individual plan now costs $1 less than Spotify’s, maintaining a smaller price advantage than before the hikes.
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