With Apple already planning more stations for the service, this original broadcasting angle is a facet Spotify simply has no answer for. It’s an internet radio station backed by Apple, so it’s as slick as you might imagine with the likes of former Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe and more on its roster. It’s a 24/7 radio station that offers round the clock playlists and live DJs. And Lossless Audio essentially means music sounds better – you're listening to tracks at CD quality rather than compressed streaming quality.Īpple Music also offers Apple Music 1 (formerly known as Beats 1), the vanguard for a wider push towards original broadcasting on the service. This brings an enhanced listening experience to all users, Spatial Audio makes tracks sound more immersive – like you're hearing it live. Of course, if you’re not a fan of the artists that initially release exclusively on Apple Music, then this feature might not be a game-changer, but if you do then it’s a serious trump card.Ī recent new addition to Apple Music is Spatial Audio with support for Dolby Atmos and Lossless Audio.
What exclusive benefits does Apple Music offer?Īdmittedly, Apple has gone to great means to cut Spotify and the smaller music streaming services out of the picture by signing some of the biggest names in popular music to exclusivity deals on new albums.Īpple Music has boasted exclusive album releases from Drake, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Frank Ocean, Future and more and it’s a strategy that’s really rankled Spotify over the years. For everyone else its $9.99 / £9.99 / AU$11.99 for an individual, or $14.99 / £14.99 / AU$17.99 for a family subscription for up to six people Having a cheaper plan aimed at students ($4.99 / £4.99 / AU$5.99) is a great deal (but not an exclusive one as Spotify offers something similar), especially as this rate still gives you access to every facet of its service. Still, having three different payment plans does show Apple wants its users who are willing to cough up a more dynamic approach.
Giving users limited access to the full experience of its service might seem like a better deal in the short term, but it suffers in the long-term compared to the free/ad-filled version Spotify offers. It’s understandable from a business POV - especially with so many exclusives serving as a golden carrot for potential users - but not having any form of long-term free-to-use version has ultimately worked against Apple’s desire to increase its overall user base.įree trials are limiting, especially to those looking to experience the service on a long term basis.
Unlike Spotify, which offers both free and paid versions, Apple Music only offers a free trial version before it requires you to sign up.