- There is evidence of a new free tier for Apple Music
- It will undoubtedly come with certain limitations
- Users are concerned that there will be ads involved
The streaming, unlimited listening component of Apple Music differs from Spotify in that you can’t use it for free – you have to pay a monthly subscription. According to code found in the latest Apple Music app for Android, that may be about to change.
Spotted by tipster Aaron Perris (via 9to5Mac ), the code snippets mention track skipping restrictions and a “Premium access required” message, both of which are consistent with some sort of subscription-free tier for the Apple Music streaming catalog.
However, Perris himself admits that the code strings could be related to something else, such as radio stations. These may soon work differently depending on whether you currently pay for an Apple Music plan.
Spotify’s free tier comes with ads and restrictions on sound quality, playlist creation, track order, and track skipping. Premium subscribers can also save playlists with offline use and get normal access for new features first.
Does that mean ads?
NEW: It looks like Apple may be working on a free or cheaper tier of Apple Music. The strings in the latest Apple Music for Android beta mention “Can’t skip more tracks” and “Premium access required” pic.twitter.com/xGHeaDb7X330 May 2026
Based on the Reddit reaction, this might not be such a popular move. “Oh no, not the ads,” is a typical comment, and there seems to be some resistance to Apple Music offering a free tier if it comes with ads attached.
Having traditionally kept advertising in its products to a minimum, Apple has recently started moving towards a more Google-like approach: ads have started appearing in Apple Maps with iOS 26.5, for example.
In fact, as we’ve already noted, this is a trend that many apps and services are joining in an effort to squeeze more money from consumers – whether it’s advertising on streaming services or new subscription models for social media.
We’ll have to wait and see if a free tier for Apple Music appears soon — perhaps at WWDC 2026 on June 8. Of course, you can already use the Apple Music app for free if you bring your own digital music.
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