Apple Music Free Tier Could Be Coming as New App Code Reveals Spotify-Like Features
- Utshab Biswas
- May 31
- 5 min read
Apple Music may finally be exploring a free listening option. New Android beta app code reveals references to premium access requirements and skip limits, sparking speculation about a Spotify-style free tier.
In the past, the main differentiation between Apple Music and the most popular competing services is that the latter offered free listening while Apple Music did not. For instance, while Spotify, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music tried introducing ads or free limited access versions of their service, Apple stuck to its pure subscription business model. However, there is news of potential changes related to the Apple Music Android application.
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As noted in an article published by 9to5Mac, developer Aaron Perris found several interesting pieces of information hidden in the code of a beta version of the Apple Music application for Android. Namely, he discovered references to the "Premium access required" message and "Track skipping disabled" message in the beta code. While it does not mean that these messages might be used in the near future by Apple, there are speculations that the company might consider launching another subscription plan or free trial plan.
New Apple Music Code Raises Questions About Future Plans
The discovery was found on a beta version of the Apple Music app on Android, where some hints about limited premium access and skip limits were noted in the code of the software. This can indicate the possibility that Apple might test out features which will distinguish certain tiers of user access levels.
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Currently, the pricing model offered by Apple Music is quite simple. People have to pay a monthly subscription fee for their access to unlimited content available on Apple Music. At the moment, the company is offering a number of subscription models, which include regular subscriptions, discounts for students, family packs, and subscriptions via Apple One. Nonetheless, contrary to all of its competitors, Apple Music does not provide any free tier.
The significance of this discovery lies in the fact that skip limits usually relate to free streaming services that motivate people to purchase a subscription package. It is natural to raise a question of whether Apple is rethinking its approach to its customers' services.
Could Apple Music Follow Spotify's Successful Formula?
Spotify Free was essential to the growth of Spotify around the globe. Millions of tracks are available to listen to with no payment required; however, one would have to endure advertisements, fewer skips, and limited options to control the listening experience. Such restrictions act as a driving factor for purchasing Spotify Premium.
The recently identified code in Apple Music is reminiscent of functions typical for many free music streaming apps. In case Apple eventually launches its limited version, it would provide users with the ability to enjoy music without any payments by limiting various features like unlimited skips, unlimited on-demand playing or high-definition streaming, for example.
There are other reasons behind these code snippets as well. For instance, they might relate to the implementation of a number of features associated with radio stations, promotional trials, or special access periods for particular functions. It is impossible to determine the exact purpose of these code strings, and Apple made no official statements regarding this issue.
Consequently, it is premature to speak about a new free Apple Music option. At the same time, the discoveries show that the company is experimenting with possible changes.
Timing Is Interesting After Apple's Strong Defense of Paid Music
What sets this particular report apart from others is the timing. Just a couple of weeks ago, Oliver Schusser – Apple Music's executive vice president – stated his stance regarding the issue of offering a free tier to customers.
In a reported conversation, he referred to the idea of having a free tier in Apple Music as a "terrible idea" and pointed out that Apple Music was still one of the few music streaming platforms where you cannot access free listening opportunities.
The strategy Apple has been adopting for years now is offering Apple Music as a premium service, with a focus on providing customers with quality music experiences while being able to listen to their favorite songs without having to put up with ads.
Due to this particular statement, the new finding has caused a stir. Companies usually don't implement any message notifications, access restrictions, and skip controls without thinking of using the functionality somewhere in the future.
Will Apple Music Introduce Advertisements?
In this context, the next question comes up almost instantly: would there be ads in the app?
Ad-supported models work great for many music streaming services. For instance, the free Spotify requires people to listen to lots of audio ads and watch display ads and sponsored videos, thus making money from the audience. Other music streaming apps using ads to monetize their content for free use the same approach.
From all of the above, ads can be viewed as one of the best options to make free Apple Music viable from a financial standpoint. However, Apple is famous for focusing on privacy and premium quality, which means that advertising cannot be seen as an integral part of its business model.
There is no official confirmation of Apple Music becoming ad-supported at the moment. No information has emerged concerning any upcoming changes to the company's subscription policy, so all users can continue enjoying the platform without ads. Nevertheless, the recently found Android app source code hints at other ways to popularize Apple Music among customers.
Why a Free Apple Music Tier Could Make Sense
The competition in the music streaming industry has gotten fiercer with Spotify continuing to rule the roost with millions of users around the globe, with most of them having initially accessed Spotify via their free account and then eventually switching to their Premium subscription service.
Launching a free music service may help Apple entice subscribers who are reticent towards taking up any subscription service on a monthly basis. The service could prove beneficial for Apple in emerging markets, where the adoption of subscriptions is low.
In addition, Apple could offer a restricted access version of its music service that will allow potential subscribers to get familiar with the service prior to subscribing to it. This approach has been successfully adopted by various other players over the years. However, it is essential for Apple to be cautious in balancing both factors simultaneously.
Though the service only offers a paid subscription option at the moment, the latest findings on code found in the beta version of the app on the Android platform show that the company might be considering adding some features related to free or limited subscription. Mention of the need for a premium account and limit on skips makes people think about the prospects of introducing other subscription plans.
Still, there are no statements issued by Apple yet and just finding the code itself tells us nothing about the company's further actions. But the very idea of changing its policies in terms of free music streaming services is quite interesting as Apple was known to refuse offering such an option before. It seems that the future development of the platform could turn out to be much more diverse.
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