Spotify has started rolling out another round of price increases in the United States, and the timing has opened the door for a public jab from Apple Music. As February renewals begin at higher rates, Apple Music has taken to social media to remind subscribers that its pricing has not changed. At the same time, it is promoting a limited three-month free trial.
Last month, Spotify confirmed that several of its plans would cost more. The new pricing now affects Premium, Duo, Family, and Student subscribers. The company says the increase will help it “keep delivering a great experience.”
According to Spotify, the updated monthly prices in the United States are as follows:
- Spotify Premium: $12.99, up from $11.99
- Spotify Duo: $18.99, up from $16.99
- Spotify Family: $21.99, up from $19.99
- Spotify Student: $6.99, up from $5.99
Spotify last raised prices in June 2024, when Premium moved from $10.99 to $11.99. Before that, the service increased its standard plan in 2023 from $9.99 to $10.99, marking its first price hike.
Apple Music Responds Publicly
As subscribers reacted online to the new Spotify rates, Apple Music stepped in with a pointed message. On X, Apple Music posted, “BTW, we’re still the same price.” The message clearly targeted users frustrated by the increase.
In another post, Apple Music added, “Breaking up is hard… unless they don’t have Spatial Audio.” It followed that with a third message aimed at switching users: “Ready to move on? Bring everything with you… even your playlists. Try 3 months on us. Terms apply. Don’t look back.”
Apple Music currently charges the following monthly prices in the United States:
- Apple Music Individual: $10.99 per month
- Apple Music Family: $16.99 per month
- Apple Music Student: $5.99 per month
Apple Music currently charges $10.99 per month for its Individual plan. The Family plan costs $16.99 per month, and the Student plan costs $5.99 per month. Apple raised its price once in October 2022, moving the Individual plan from $9.99 to $10.99. It has not changed pricing since then.
That leaves a clear gap between the two services. Spotify Premium now costs $2 more per month than Apple Music’s Individual plan. The difference is even wider for families, where Spotify charges $21.99 compared to Apple Music’s $16.99.
Apple Music is also offering a free three-month trial until February 24. In addition, the service comes bundled in Apple One plans, which include Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+.
With Spotify’s latest increase now in effect, pricing has become a central part of the streaming competition again. Apple Music has chosen to highlight stability and value, while Spotify argues that the higher rates support a better experience. Subscribers will decide which approach matters more.
