What it costs

Make sure you’re not paying more than you need to

One Person $9.99 per month

If you haven’t got a partner or kids to share your music collection with, and you’re not a student, this is the Apple Music subscription for you. It provides you with access to all of the features we’ve mentioned already and plenty more that you’ll read about in detail over the next few pages. If the disproportionate cost of an individual subscription compared to a six-person family sub annoys you, read the money-saving advice just below, which can help you save a significant amount on a year’s subscription.

Family $14.99 per month

Up to six people in a family can get a more affordable rate than by signing up individually. Each member can play different music at the same time (individual subs play only on one device at a time). Each member gets full Apple Music access, including their own iCloud Music Library. You’ll need to set up Family Sharing to use this type of sub; full details are at apple. co/2iAP6zS; among the most appealing features are the ability to authorize or reject your kids’ purchases, and access to each other’s music and other media.

Students $4.99 per month

As a college student, you can get a 50% discount on monthly pricing for individuals. Student membership can last for up to four years; Apple uses the UNiDAYS service to verify that your status still applies and whether you’ve reached the 48-month limit it imposes on student sign-ups; if that happens, it’ll switch you to the $9.99 rate. However, those 48 months don’t have to be taken in a continuous block, which might help if you’re taking a year off, for example.