Apple Music has publicly called out Spotify following the streaming rival’s latest round of price increases. As Spotify subscribers see higher bills starting with their February renewals, Apple is reminding users that its music streaming service has maintained stable pricing while offering comparable features at a lower cost.
Spotify’s February 2026 Price Increases
Spotify implemented new pricing across all subscription tiers in the United States and other markets, marking the third consecutive year of price adjustments for the streaming platform. The increases affect every plan category.
| Plan Type | Previous Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify Premium | $11.99 | $12.99 |
| Spotify Duo | $16.99 | $18.99 |
| Spotify Family | $19.99 | $21.99 |
| Spotify Student | $5.99 | $6.99 |
Spotify’s Premium individual plan has climbed steadily over three years: $9.99 per month in 2022, rising to $10.99 in 2023, $11.99 in June 2024, and $12.99 today — three increases in three years, amounting to a cumulative rise of roughly 30%.
These adjustments represent the third increase in three years for Spotify’s U.S. pricing. The service moved from $9.99 to $10.99 in 2023, then to $11.99 in June 2024, and now to $12.99 in 2026. According to Spotify, the latest price increase enables the company to continue delivering a quality streaming experience.
Apple Music’s Social Media Response
As frustrated Spotify subscribers voiced their concerns on social media platforms throughout February, Apple Music posted a direct message addressing the pricing difference: “BTW, we’re still the same price.”
The statement represents a rare instance of Apple directly calling attention to a competitor’s pricing strategy. The move appears designed to capitalize on subscriber dissatisfaction during a period when users are actively reconsidering their streaming service choices.
Apple Music Pricing Comparison
Apple Music launched in 2015 at $9.99 per month for individual subscriptions. The service implemented its only price adjustment in October 2022, raising the individual plan to $10.99 monthly. Current Apple Music pricing remains unchanged since that adjustment.
- Apple Music Individual: $10.99 per month
- Apple Music Family: $16.99 per month
- Apple Music Student: $5.99 per month
The pricing structure creates a $2 monthly difference for individual subscribers comparing Apple Music to Spotify Premium. The gap widens significantly for family plans, where Apple Music costs $5 less per month than Spotify’s equivalent offering.
Additional Value Through Apple One
Apple Music is also available as part of Apple One subscription bundles, which combine multiple Apple services including Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and depending on the tier, Apple News Plus and Apple Fitness Plus. These bundles can provide additional value for users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Limited Time Trial Offer
Apple is currently offering a three-month free trial for new Apple Music subscribers, available through February 24, 2026. The extended trial period provides an opportunity for users considering a switch from Spotify to evaluate the service without immediate financial commitment.
Strategic Timing and Market Position
Apple’s decision to publicly highlight its pricing stability comes at a strategic moment. Subscriber frustration with repeated price increases creates an opening for competitors to attract users who may have remained loyal to Spotify despite alternative options.
The streaming music market has become increasingly competitive, with services differentiating themselves through exclusive content, audio quality options, and integration with other platforms. Pricing represents one of the few areas where direct comparison remains straightforward for consumers evaluating their options.
FAQ
Q: Can I transfer my Spotify playlists to Apple Music if I switch?
A: Yes, several third-party services and apps facilitate playlist transfers between streaming platforms, though the process may require manual steps and some songs might not be available on both services.
Q: Does Apple Music offer the same catalog size as Spotify?
A: Both services offer catalogs exceeding 100 million songs. Specific availability can vary by region and licensing agreements, but the overall selection is comparable between the two platforms.
Q: Will Apple Music prices likely increase in the future?
A: While Apple has maintained current pricing since October 2022, future adjustments remain possible as operating costs and licensing fees evolve. However, Apple has historically implemented price changes less frequently than some competitors.
MacReview Verdict
Apple’s public response to Spotify’s price increase demonstrates confidence in its value proposition and willingness to compete directly on pricing. The $2 monthly difference for individual plans and $5 gap for family subscriptions creates a meaningful cost advantage, particularly for long-term subscribers.
For users deeply embedded in the Spotify ecosystem with curated playlists and personalized recommendations, switching involves friction beyond simple pricing considerations. However, subscribers frustrated by consecutive annual price increases now have a clear alternative offering comparable features at a lower cost. The three-month trial period provides a low-risk opportunity to evaluate whether Apple Music meets individual needs, making this an opportune moment for price-conscious users to reconsider their streaming service choice.
