A new report has suggested that Apple may follow Spotify’s lead in raising subscription prices. However, Apple Music has historically resisted price hikes and remains committed to its pricing structure. This speculation comes as Spotify reportedly considers introducing a more expensive premium tier with high-fidelity audio and concert ticket perks.
Spotify’s Strategy and Apple’s Response
Spotify has long struggled with profitability despite its popularity. To boost revenue, the company is planning to introduce a new premium tier. This upgrade is expected to include improved audio quality, exclusive features, and additional perks for subscribers. The move aligns with Spotify’s ongoing efforts to compete with Apple Music and justify higher costs.
Meanwhile, Apple Music already offers high-quality audio, including lossless streaming and spatial audio, at no additional cost. Industry analysts believe this puts Apple in a stronger position to maintain its current pricing, unlike Spotify, which seeks new ways to generate revenue.
Will Apple Raise Prices?
Although reports suggest Apple is considering a new pricing structure, there is little evidence to support an imminent price hike. Apple has previously introduced new features, such as Apple Music Classical, without increasing subscription fees. Additionally, Apple Music remains financially stable and continues to pay artists higher royalties than Spotify.
If Apple does introduce a higher-priced tier, it may be tied to an expanded Apple One bundle rather than Apple Music alone. This potential move could offer more iCloud storage or exclusive perks rather than simply increasing the base music subscription fee.
The Future of Music Streaming Prices
The music streaming industry remains highly competitive, with major platforms searching for ways to balance costs and user retention. While Spotify pushes premium features to justify a price increase, Apple appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach.
For now, Apple Music subscribers can enjoy high-quality audio without worrying about price changes. However, as the industry evolves, future pricing shifts remain a possibility.
