Apple Music is becoming more expensive for subscribers around the world. Starting in July 2026, the company raised prices for its individual, family, and student plans in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe, with further increases expected in other regions. The move marks the second price hike for Apple Music in less than four years, following a previous increase in October 2022 that also affected Apple TV Plus and Apple One bundles.
In the US, the individual plan now costs $11.99 per month, a $1 increase from the previous $10.99. The family plan, which allows up to six people to share a subscription, jumped from $16.99 to $19.99 per month—a $3 increase. Students now pay $6.99 per month, up from $5.99. Apple explained in a statement to Music Business Worldwide that the adjustments are necessary “as a result of rising licensing costs.” The company did not immediately respond to requests for further comment from The Verge.
Apple Music last raised its prices in October 2022 alongside hikes for Apple TV Plus and Apple One. At that time, the individual plan went from $9.99 to $10.99, the family plan from $14.99 to $16.99, and the student plan from $4.99 to $5.99. The latest increase continues a trend of streaming services charging more as content costs escalate. Spotify, Apple Music’s biggest rival, also raised US prices earlier in 2026, bumping its Premium individual plan from $11.99 to $12.99 per month. The nearly identical pricing strategies reflect the intense competition in the music streaming market, where both companies are grappling with higher royalty payments to record labels and artists.
The price increases are not limited to standalone Apple Music subscriptions. According to MacMagazine, Apple has also raised the prices of some Apple One bundles. The Apple One Family plan, which bundles Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+ (200GB), now costs $27.95 per month, up $2 from $25.95. The Premier plan, which adds Apple News Plus, Apple Fitness Plus, and iCloud+ (2TB), increased from $37.95 to $39.95 per month—also a $2 jump. The individual Apple One plan remains unchanged at $19.95 per month. These bundled price hikes affect customers who previously enjoyed lower rates for multiple Apple services.
Industry analysts point to a broader trend of streaming services raising prices as the market matures. Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max have all increased subscription fees in recent years. For music streaming, the primary driver is licensing costs. Record labels such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music, and Warner Music Group have been negotiating higher royalty rates, which are passed on to consumers. Apple Music, Spotify, and other platforms also face pressure from artist unions and advocacy groups demanding fairer compensation for musicians. The rise in CD sales reported in the US suggests that some consumers are returning to physical media, possibly in response to streaming price hikes or a desire for ownership.
Historical context shows that when Apple Music launched in June 2015, it offered a three-month free trial and then charged $9.99 per month for an individual plan, matching Spotify’s then-standard rate. The service quickly gained traction by integrating with iOS and offering exclusive content. Over the years, Apple Music has grown to over 100 million subscribers, making it the second-largest music streaming service behind Spotify. However, maintaining that user base amid price increases will be a challenge. Some subscribers may downgrade to cheaper plans, cancel altogether, or switch to ad-supported free tiers. Apple Music does not have a permanent free tier; its free trials are limited. In contrast, Spotify offers a free ad-supported version, which could attract price-sensitive listeners.
The price adjustments also come at a time when Apple is under increased scrutiny over its services revenue. The company’s Services segment, which includes Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, iCloud, and the App Store, has been a major growth driver as iPhone sales slow. In its most recent quarterly earnings, Apple reported Services revenue of $24 billion, up 12% year over year. Raising prices on popular services like Apple Music could further boost that revenue stream, but it risks alienating customers who already feel the pinch of inflation and other rising costs.
Consumer reaction on social media and forums has been mixed. Some users expressed frustration at the cumulative cost of Apple subscriptions, especially when combined with Apple One bundles. Others noted that the $1 to $3 increases are relatively small compared to the overall monthly cost of living. However, the cumulative effect of multiple services—Apple Music, iCloud, Apple TV Plus, and Apple Arcade—can amount to over $50 per month for a family. This has led many to compare the total cost to that of traditional cable packages, a phenomenon sometimes called “streaming creep.”
Looking ahead, it is unclear whether Apple Music will continue to raise prices annually or adopt a more sporadic schedule. The company’s statement about rising licensing costs suggests that further increases could occur if label negotiations become more expensive. Spotify’s concurrent price hike indicates that both companies face similar pressures. Some industry observers predict that music streaming prices will eventually reach $15 per month for individual plans within the next few years, mirroring the trajectory of video streaming services.
In addition to price changes, Apple Music is also exploring new features to retain subscribers. The service recently introduced a spatial audio experience with Dolby Atmos, lossless audio streaming, and curated playlists based on listening habits. These enhancements add value but also require higher investment from Apple in technology and royalties. The company is also reportedly working on a new “Apple Music Voice” plan that would be cheaper but limited to Siri control, though no launch date has been announced.
The price hike for Apple One bundles may also prompt users to reassess their subscriptions. For families already paying for Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV Plus separately, the bundle could still offer savings even after the increase. However, for those who only use one or two services, the standalone Apple Music subscription may be the more affordable option. Apple does not offer partial bundles, so customers must choose between individual subscriptions and the full suite.
The impact on international markets is significant. In the UK, Apple Music now costs £10.99 per month for individuals (up from £9.99), £16.99 for family (up from £14.99), and £5.99 for students (up from £4.99). In the Eurozone, prices rose to €10.99, €16.99, and €5.99 respectively. These changes align with the US increases when adjusted for exchange rates. Apple has not yet announced price changes in other regions, but reports suggest that hikes are likely to roll out globally in the coming months.
As streaming becomes more expensive, the music industry is watching consumer behavior closely. The rise in CD sales—up 10% in the US in 2025 according to the RIAA—may indicate a small but notable shift back to physical ownership. Vinyl sales have also grown steadily, reaching over $1.2 billion globally in 2025. While digital streaming remains dominant, these physical media trends suggest that some fans value ownership and may be willing to pay a premium for tangible albums instead of renting access through subscriptions.
Apple Music’s price increase is the latest chapter in the ongoing evolution of the music streaming landscape. With no end in sight to rising content costs, subscribers should expect periodic adjustments. The key question is whether the added value of features like spatial audio, extensive library, and seamless Apple ecosystem integration justifies the higher monthly bill. For now, Apple seems confident that its loyal customer base will accept the new prices, even as competitors like Spotify and Tidal offer similar or lower rates.
Apple’s decision to raise prices also comes amid a broader push to integrate AI and machine learning into its services. The company has been developing personalized radio stations and smart playlist suggestions. These features rely on large datasets and computing power, which also incur costs. The combination of licensing fees and technology investments is likely to keep upward pressure on subscription fees for the foreseeable future.
In summary, Apple Music’s price hike affects millions of subscribers in the US and abroad. The increases range from $1 to $3 per month depending on the plan. Apple One bundles have also risen by $2 per month for Family and Premier tiers. While the company attributes the changes to rising licensing costs, the broader context includes industry-wide inflation, competitive dynamics, and Apple’s focus on growing its services revenue. Subscribers will need to decide whether the value of the service remains worth the price.
Note: This article has been updated to include Apple One price hikes reported by MacMagazine. The original story was published July 17, 2026, based on information from Music Business Worldwide and Apple’s statement.
Source:The Verge News