Apple Music Might Finally Be Going Free

A recent code discovery suggests Apple Music might be going the Spotify route with an ad-based tier, or this is just a code glitch that means nothing.

Apple Music has been a subscription-based service since its launch in 2015, with users paying $9.99 per month for access to its music library. A recent code discovery suggests that Apple may be considering an ad-based tier, similar to Spotify's free version. The code references were found in Apple Music's latest update, sparking speculation about a potential shift in the company's business model. Apple Music currently has over 70 million subscribers worldwide.

This potential change could directly affect the price that music streaming users pay, as an ad-based tier would provide a free alternative to the current subscription model. For users who are currently paying for Apple Music, this could mean a significant reduction in their monthly expenses. The cost savings could be substantial, with users potentially saving up to $120 per year. This change could also attract new users who are currently using free music streaming services.

The music streaming industry has seen significant changes in recent years, with many companies shifting towards ad-based models to attract more users. Spotify, for example, has seen significant growth in its user base since introducing its free tier. Apple's potential move towards an ad-based model may be an attempt to compete with Spotify and other music streaming services. Insiders know that the music streaming industry is highly competitive, and companies must continually adapt to changing user preferences.

In the coming weeks, Apple is expected to announce its plans for Apple Music, including any potential changes to its business model. A decision on the ad-based tier is expected by the end of the quarter, with some analysts predicting that Apple will launch the new tier in time for the holiday season. One surprising detail is that Apple has been in talks with major record labels to secure licensing deals for the ad-based tier, which could give the company a significant advantage over its competitors.