Overview
- Apple implemented the new rates on Friday, July 17, 2026, moving the U.S. individual plan to $11.99 per month, the family plan to $19.99 per month, and the student plan to $6.99 per month.
- For students the $1 monthly rise comes with Apple TV+ access included at no extra charge, a detail reported by Forbes that offsets part of the increase for verified college subscribers.
- Apple told reporters the adjustment is driven by rising music-licensing fees and framed the change as part of a commitment to pay artists and songwriters more for streams.
- Despite the hike, Variety’s price comparison shows Apple Music’s core tiers remain less expensive than Spotify’s primary plans after that service raised prices earlier in 2026.
- This is Apple Music’s first broad price increase since fall 2022, family subscribers face the largest jump in dollars and percentage, and the change will add roughly $12 per year for individual and student plans and about $36 per year for family plans.