So you think streaming subscriptions stay static forever? Think again.
Apple just pulled the trigger on another round of hikes. This time, it is Apple Music and the bundled Apple One service paying the piper. The increases are small in isolation, maybe a dollar or two, but subscriptions bleed you dry through compounding minor charges.
MBW broke the news on Friday. No apology attached.
Why did Apple Music prices go up this month?
It is not just greed. Or maybe it is greed, wrapped in the excuse of business costs. Apple told reporters that “rising licensing costs” drove the change. Labels demand more money for the music inside. Apple passes that bill to you. Simple transaction.
Here is what your monthly bill looks like now if you subscribe to the Apple Music service.
The breakdown of new Apple Music prices
- Individual: Now $12 a month. That is up $1 from $11.
- Student: $7 a month. A $1 increase.
- Family: $20 a month. Up by $3 from $17.
That family plan hike feels sharper than the others. Three extra dollars every single month is $36 a year. It adds up fast when you are also paying for phone insurance or a gym membership you never visit.
How does this affect Apple One bundles?
Apple One bundles multiple services together. Think iCloud, Apple TV+, Arcade, and Music in one hit. They raise their prices too. The logic remains consistent across the board.
If you are looking to see which Apple One plans are getting more expensive, check the list below. The base individual tier didn’t move. That feels like a slight olive branch, though a weak one.
- Individual (Standard): $20. No change here.
- Family: Now $28. That is a $2 increase.
- Premier: Now $40. Also up by $2.
So, if you are on the Family or Premier tiers of Apple One, your payment card is about to lose a couple more dollars than usual. If you stick with the single-person standard plan, you are safe. For now.
“Rising licensing costs” — That’s Apple’s official explanation to MBW.
Is this fair? Depends on your budget. Streaming
