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Can Apple Music be used for free? This is a question asked by many users of the popular streaming service, which offers millions of songs.
Apple Music for free: What’s behind it?
Apple Music is known for its extensive music library and exclusive content. But many music lovers are looking for ways to use the service at no cost. In fact, Apple Music only offers free access through limited-time trial offers and promotions, not on a permanent basis.
- Apple Music regularly offers free trial periods that give new users the opportunity to try out the service. These trial periods are ideal for familiarizing yourself with the features and exploring the music library. The regular trial period is usually one month, but partner promotions occasionally offer three or even four months.
- Another offer from Apple is free use when purchasing a new Apple device. Buyers often receive a free Apple Music membership for several months when they purchase a new iPhone or eligible Apple device, such as AirPods, Mac, Beats headphones, or HomePod mini.
- Students can benefit from special discounts that Apple offers for its music services. With a valid student ID, you can use Apple Music at a reduced price or get it for free for a limited time. Students usually only get Apple Music for free for a limited time in conjunction with promotions; normally, there is a reduced monthly price.
- There are also occasional promotions and partnerships between Apple Music and other companies that allow you to use the service for free. Keep an eye out for such offers to take advantage of them. Promotional partners include Telekom, MediaMarkt, Saturn, Shazam, PS5, and Best Buy, which often offer 2–4 months of free use.
How does free use of Apple Music work?
There are various strategies and offers that allow you to use Apple Music at no cost. What are the options, and how can you make the most of them?
- By signing up for a free trial, users can use Apple Music for a certain period of time without any fees. This only requires setting up an Apple account and entering payment information, which may be charged after the trial period. The subscription will automatically renew at the regular price unless canceled in time.
- Apple offers a free Apple Music membership for several months with certain products, such as new iPhones or iPads. The offer also applies to AirPods, Macs, HomePods, and select Beats products. Up to six months are often possible, depending on the device and current promotion.
- Students have the opportunity to use Apple Music at a reduced price or even get it temporarily for free by presenting a valid student ID. The free period usually only applies to new customers and in conjunction with certain partner promotions, for example via UNiDAYS.
- Apple Music sometimes collaborates with other companies to present special offers that allow free use. These partner promotions are limited in time and region and often only apply to new customers or returning customers (after a long break).
Advantages and disadvantages of using Apple Music for free
Apple Music offers many advantages, but free use also comes with some challenges. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Apple Music for free?
- An obvious advantage of using Apple Music for free is the cost savings. Users can enjoy the extensive library and exclusive content without paying monthly fees.
- The trial periods allow users to test the service in full and decide whether a paid subscription is right for them. This is particularly helpful for undecided users.
- One disadvantage could be that free use is limited in time. After the trial period expires, users must decide whether they want to continue using the service for a fee. There is no permanent free version of Apple Music, unlike Spotify, for example.
- Another disadvantage is that some features may only be available with regular plans or certain trial subscriptions, or special conditions may apply. Users should be aware that free use does not always offer the full scope of the service. For example, certain promotions cannot be used for family plans or returning users.
