Apple Music Trolls Spotify Following Latest Price Hike

Spotify subscribers are facing their third price increase since 2023, with new rates taking effect for February renewals in the United States and other markets. The streaming service announced last month that rising operational costs necessitated the adjustments:

• Spotify Premium: $11.99 → $12.99/month
• Spotify Duo: $16.99 → $18.99/month
• Spotify Family: $19.99 → $21.99/month
• Spotify Student: $5.99 → $6.99/month

Spotify's pricing history over the past three years

This marks Spotify's third consecutive annual price hike—a notable contrast to Apple Music's pricing strategy. Since Apple Music's launch in 2015 at $9.99/month, the service has implemented just one price increase: a $1 bump to $10.99/month for individual plans in October 2022. Current Apple Music pricing remains:

• Apple Music Individual: $10.99/month
• Apple Music Family: $16.99/month
• Apple Music Student: $5.99/month

As frustrated Spotify subscribers voiced complaints on social media this week, Apple Music's official account seized the moment with a targeted post: "BTW, we're still the same price." The jab highlights Apple Music's $2/month savings for individual plans and a substantial $5/month advantage for family plans compared to Spotify's new rates.

Streaming service pricing comparison

For developers and cross-platform users, the pricing divergence creates tangible considerations:

1. Subscription Fatigue: Frequent price increases risk driving users toward platforms with more stable pricing models. Developers building music-integrated apps must account for shifting user loyalty.

2. Apple One Advantage: Apple Music's inclusion in Apple One bundles ($19.95-$37.95/month) provides additional value when bundled with iCloud+, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and Apple News+. This ecosystem approach creates stickiness Spotify can't match.

3. Migration Incentives: Apple is currently offering a free three-month trial through February 24—a strategic window coinciding with Spotify's price implementation. Developers should note how platform-specific promotions can capitalize on competitor missteps.

4. API Implications: Both services' developer APIs remain unchanged, but cost-conscious app builders may prioritize Apple Music integration for cost-sensitive demographics given the widening price gap.

Industry analysts note Spotify's price increases reflect rising licensing costs and profitability pressures, while Apple can leverage hardware and services bundling to absorb music streaming margins. For consumers, the $24-$60 annual savings with Apple Music (depending on plan) now represents a concrete financial consideration beyond sound quality or algorithm preferences.

As streaming services evolve, developers should monitor how pricing strategies impact user retention and platform loyalty. Have recent changes affected your subscription choices or app development priorities? Share your perspective below.