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Apple hikes Apple Music fees, cites licensing costs

7/17/2026

26 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Apple raised Apple Music subscription prices on July 17, 2026.
The individual plan increased from $10.99 to $11.99 per month.
The family and student plans rose to $19.99 and $6.99 per month.
Apple said the hikes result from rising music licensing costs.
Co-Chief Executive Officer Alex Norström said retention stayed steady after price hikes in over 150 markets.

History

Historical Context

Spotify’s premium pricing faced pressure from rising royalty costs, and by September 2016 its paying base hit 40 million subscribers. Apple Music followed with a 2022 individual-plan increase to $10.99, also citing higher licensing fees from labels such as Universal Music Group. Both moves have drawn scrutiny from the European Commission over streaming market concentration.

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Story summary

Apple raised Apple Music subscription prices on July 17, 2026.
The individual plan increased from $10.99 to $11.99 per month.
The family and student plans rose to $19.99 and $6.99 per month.
Apple said the hikes result from rising music licensing costs.
Co-Chief Executive Officer Alex Norström said retention stayed steady after price hikes in over 150 markets.

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