Apple Music Raises U.S. Subscription Prices for First Time Since 2022

On July 17, 2026 Apple announced that its Apple Music streaming service will increase U.S. subscription fees. The Individual plan moves from $10.99 to $11.99 per month, the Family plan from $16.99 to $19.99, and the Student plan from $5.99 to $6.99. Apple One bundles that include Apple Music also see modest hikes (Family $27.95 -> $29.95, Premier $39.95 -> $41.95). Existing subscribers will receive the new rates at their next billing cycle after notification.

Apple raises Apple Music and Apple One subscription pricesApple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’Apple increases Apple Music and Apple One subscription prices

Apple Music launched in June 2015 at $9.99 per month and kept that price for seven years. The first increase occurred in October 2022, raising the Individual tier to $10.99 and citing “rising licensing costs.” The 2026 adjustment follows a similar rationale and mirrors a broader industry pattern: Spotify raised its U.S. Individual plan to $12.99 in early 2026 and has lifted family rates in multiple markets. Record companies have long argued that streaming fees lag behind inflation and are low relative to video-streaming services such as Netflix.

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’Hollywood Reporter

• Apple Inc. – Provider of Apple Music and Apple One bundles.

Apple increases Apple Music and Apple One subscription prices

• Alex Norström – Co-Chief Executive Officer of Apple Music, who addressed pricing strategy during Apple’s Q3 earnings call.

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’

• Major record labels – Unnamed “major record companies” that have pressured streaming platforms to raise subscription fees.

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• Spotify – Apple’s chief rival, whose U.S. Premium plan now costs $12.99.

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• New U.S. pricing: Individual $11.99, Family $19.99, Student $6.99.

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’

• Apple Music remains $1 cheaper than Spotify’s $12.99 Premium plan.

Hollywood ReporterVariety MagazineApple raises Apple Music and Apple One subscription prices

• Spotify’s Family plan is $21.99, $2 higher than Apple’s $19.99.

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’Apple raises Apple Music and Apple One subscription pricesVariety Magazine

• The global music-subscription market reached 921.6 million subscribers at the end of 2025, approaching 1 billion, with Spotify as the largest service.

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’

• Apple reports “all-time highs” in listenership and new subscribers for 2025, though exact figures are undisclosed.

Variety Magazine

The price hike underscores Apple’s shift toward “sustained profitability” in its services division. By keeping rates modestly below Spotify, Apple aims to retain price-sensitive users while addressing higher royalty and licensing expenses. The adjustment also aligns with record-label demands for higher payouts, potentially increasing earnings for artists and songwriters. For consumers, the change may prompt re-evaluation of bundled services versus standalone subscriptions.

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Apple’s press release stated: “As a result of rising licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing its subscription price beginning today.” During the Q3 earnings call, Alex Norström added that the company “saw steady retention rates following the rollout of our recent price increases across more than 150 markets,” emphasizing “the power of the product and the loyalty of our subscribers.” Spotify confirmed its own earlier 2026 price increase but highlighted additional benefits such as 15 hours of audiobooks per month.

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’Hollywood ReporterVariety Magazine

Industry analysts and the major record labels argue that streaming services have been underpriced relative to inflation and to video-streaming equivalents. They contend that higher subscription fees are necessary to close the royalty gap and ensure fair compensation for creators. Critics also note that price hikes can frustrate consumers, especially when bundled services offer limited additional value.

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• “As a result of rising licensing costs, Apple Music is increasing its subscription price beginning today.” — Apple, corporate statement

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’

• “We… saw steady retention rates following the rollout of our recent price increases across more than 150 markets. These results show the power of the product and the loyalty of our subscribers,” — Alex Norström, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Apple Music

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’

• “artists and songwriters will earn more for the streaming of their music.” — Apple, 2022 pricing announcement (referenced in 2026 coverage)

Apple Music hikes subscription prices citing ‘rising licensing costs’

• “MacDailyNews Take: The timing aligns with broader industry trends of streaming services adjusting prices amid rising content and licensing expenses.” — MacDailyNews, analysis

Apple raises Apple Music and Apple One subscription prices

• “Apple Music is raised its prices by $1, the streaming service confirmed on Friday, marking its first price hike since 2022.” — The Hollywood Reporter, news brief

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