Apple Music Unlikely to Follow Spotify’s Premium Tier Plans

A new report claims Spotify is planning to introduce a more expensive premium tier, and while Apple is reportedly considering doing the same, Apple Music has little reason to follow its rival’s lead.

Spotify, long recognized as the world’s most popular streaming music service, may finally be turning a corner when it comes to profitability. However, its ongoing push to gain a regulatory advantage over Apple remains unchanged. Now, according to Bloomberg, Spotify is preparing to roll out a higher-priced subscription tier.

This new tier could include features like better audio quality—something Apple Music already provides as standard—and possibly even perks like concert tickets or tools to edit songs. While concert ticket access might appeal to some, the idea of song editing seems likely to create headaches for artists and labels.

At the same time, the report suggests Amazon and Apple are also contemplating similar premium tiers. However, these plans are reportedly in such early stages that they might never materialize. Still, the idea of a more expensive Apple Music subscription raises questions about what exactly it could offer.

Currently, Apple Music provides better audio quality than Spotify across all its subscription tiers, which include plans for individuals, students, and families. Beyond these options, there’s not much room to add a new tier—unless Apple plans something like “Apple Music for pets” (which, let’s be honest, seems unlikely).

On the other hand, a higher-priced Apple One bundle could make sense. Apple One already combines Apple Music with other services like iCloud storage, Apple TV+, and more. Adding additional iCloud storage or other perks to a new Apple One tier at a competitive rate might appeal to users.

Financially, Apple Music already operates on solid ground. Unlike Spotify, Apple has never struggled to maintain profitability with its music streaming service, even while paying artists more per stream than its rival does.

Apple also isn’t stagnant with its offerings. It recently launched the Apple Music Classical app, and it’s been proactive in incentivizing artists to create Spatial Audio remixes.

While it’s unclear whether a new Apple Music tier is truly in the works, the chances seem slim. That said, Apple could still raise prices on its music service or bundles, as it’s been over two years since the last price hike for Apple Music, Apple One, and other services.

For now, Apple Music can continue doing what it does best—delivering excellent audio quality and supporting artists more fairly than its competitors. Whether Spotify’s new tier will spark a shift in the streaming industry remains to be seen.

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