Apple has raised the price of Apple Music and select Apple One bundles today. In the United States, an individual Apple Music subscription now costs $11.99 per month, up $1 from $10.99. The Family plan saw a steeper increase of $3, rising from $16.99 to $19.99 monthly. Student pricing also went up by $1, now at $6.99 per month. Apple One bundles also face changes: the individual plan remains unchanged, but the Family and Premier plans each increased by $2, now costing $27.95 and $39.95 per month respectively. Additionally, Apple has increased prices in Brazil.
Licensing Costs Drive the Price Hike
In a statement to Music Business Worldwide, Apple attributed the price increase to rising licensing costs. The last adjustment to Apple Music prices occurred in October 2022. This move comes as the music streaming market becomes increasingly competitive, with platforms like Spotify and Amazon Music vying for market share. The new prices may push some users to explore alternatives, but Apple relies on service quality and ecosystem integration to retain subscribers. The global rise in licensing costs affects the entire music industry, as discussed in an article about the evolution of the AI sector: China Drops Another AI Model While Europe Debates.
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Comparing Old and New Prices: Impact on Subscribers
For the average subscriber, an extra dollar per month amounts to $12 more per year. The Family plan adds $36 annually, while students face an extra $12 per year. These increases might lead families to reconsider their subscription, especially amid high inflation. However, Apple Music offers features like spatial audio with Dolby Atmos and lossless streaming, which could justify the additional cost. For those already invested in the Apple ecosystem, the hike may be accepted reluctantly. The decision to keep the individual Apple One plan price unchanged provides an alternative for those wanting multiple services at a fixed rate.
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Brazilian Market and Future Outlook
Apple confirmed changes in Brazil as well, though specific percentages were not disclosed. The Brazilian market is significant for Apple, and the increase may reflect currency devaluation or local licensing costs. It remains unclear whether other countries will follow soon. Apple's strategy appears focused on maintaining high margins despite competition. Industry experts, cited by authoritative sources like Wikipedia, predict that licensing costs will continue to rise, potentially leading to further price hikes in the coming years. For now, subscribers in the US and Italy must adjust to the new pricing.
Source: https://www.macrumors.com/2026/07/17/apple-music-price-increase
