Spotify raises prices higher than Apple Music

Brief history of Spotify and Apple Music

The rivalry between Spotify and Apple Music dates back to the launch of Apple Music in June 2015. Spotify, founded in 2006, has established itself as the dominant player in the music streaming industry with its Freemium and rich music library. Apple Music, on the other hand, entered the realm of subscription-based services, backed by the company's vast resources and existing customer base.

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After its launch, Apple Music quickly attracted attention thanks to its integration with Apple's device and service ecosystem. The service offers exclusive album releases, curated playlists, and live radio 24/7, differentiating itself with Spotify's algorithm-based recommendations and user-curated playlists create. Despite this, Spotify maintains its lead in total users and global reach, benefiting from a first-mover advantage and strong brand recognition.

Over the years, the competition between Spotify and Apple Music has become increasingly fierce as both services continue to innovate and improve their services. Spotify focuses on expanding its podcast library and personalized playlists, while Apple Music continues to leverage exclusive features and seamless integration with Apple devices.

The competition has not only fueled advances in music streaming technology but has also sparked debates around issues of fair competition and antitrust in the tech industry, as both companies compete. is vying for a bigger share of the growing music streaming market.

Spotify will now cost more than Apple Music

Spotify has now taken a strategic step in increasing subscription rates. The price increase has caused Spotify's subscription costs to surpass Apple Music's. Spotify Premium Personal is currently priced at $11.99/month, while Apple Music is only $10.99/month. The Spotify Family plan is available for $19.99, while Apple Music Family costs $16.99. Spotify Premium Duo, which allows two people to listen together, is available for $16.99. But why would someone choose these plans when they can get an Apple Music Family subscription for 6 people for the same price?

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Spotify claims this is to invest and bring more innovation to the service and its features. However, it's important to note that subscribers may not see it that way and may be upset at being forced to pay more each month.

However, it could also reinforce the premium nature of the Spotify service. Spotify may be aiming to further differentiate itself from Apple Music and other competitors. This could be an attempt to position itself as a premium service provider in the music streaming market, asserting the added value it brings compared to other platforms.

This strategy may not be welcomed by all Spotify users, especially those who are price sensitive or those who do not perceive a significant difference in service quality between Spotify and Apple Music. For them, the price increase may cause them to consider more affordable alternatives, such as Apple Music.

With Spotify raising its prices, this represents a significant change in pricing strategy and could have various impacts on the company, its user base, and the broader music streaming industry. Now it will be interesting to see how Apple Music reacts: Whether the platform takes advantage of its cheaper price than its competitors or raises prices to keep a competitive advantage.

Isabella Humphrey

Update 06 June 2024