Why did Apple Music raise its prices?

Apple has not provided an official reason, but the increase may be linked to inflation, rising content costs, or competitive pressures in the streaming market.

How do Apple Music’s new prices compare to competitors?

Apple Music’s individual plan remains cheaper than Spotify’s ($12.99) but is now more expensive than YouTube Music’s ($11.99). The family plan is priced higher than YouTube Music’s ($18.99) but lower than Spotify’s ($21.99).

When will the new prices take effect for existing subscribers?

The changes will apply at the next billing cycle. For example, if your subscription renews on the 15th, the new rates will apply from that date onward.

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Business

Apple Music Raises Subscription Prices for the First Time Since 2022

July 18, 2026

Photo: Android Authority

Quick answer

Apple Music has raised subscription prices: the individual plan now costs $11.99, the family plan $19.99, and the student tier $6.99.

Apple Music has quietly increased its subscription prices without prior notice. According to updated details on the service’s website, the individual plan now costs $11.99 per month, while the family plan is priced at $19.99. The student subscription has risen to $6.99. This marks the first price adjustment since October 2022, when Apple last raised its rates.

The new prices remain lower than Spotify’s, where the individual plan costs $12.99 and the family plan $21.99. However, Apple Music is now more expensive than YouTube Music, which offers individual and family plans for $11.99 and $18.99, respectively. Student subscriptions across all three services are priced identically at $6.99.

The price hike occurred without user awareness, as Apple did not issue a press release or in-app notification. Existing subscribers will see the new rates applied at their next renewal. For example, if your payment is processed on the 10th of each month, the changes will take effect from that date.

Apple Music last raised prices in 2022, increasing the individual plan from $9.99 to $10.99 and the family plan from $14.99 to $16.99. Recent months have seen rumors of a potential ad-supported free tier, though no official confirmation has been provided.

Common questions

Why did Apple Music raise its prices?: Apple has not provided an official reason, but the increase may be linked to inflation, rising content costs, or competitive pressures in the streaming market.
How do Apple Music’s new prices compare to competitors?: Apple Music’s individual plan remains cheaper than Spotify’s ($12.99) but is now more expensive than YouTube Music’s ($11.99). The family plan is priced higher than YouTube Music’s ($18.99) but lower than Spotify’s ($21.99).
When will the new prices take effect for existing subscribers?: The changes will apply at the next billing cycle. For example, if your subscription renews on the 15th, the new rates will apply from that date onward.

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