Just a month after Apple Music’s chief called a free tier a “terrible idea,” code found in a beta version of the streaming service’s Android app suggests Apple might be prepping to do just that.
For years, Apple has avoided offering a free or low-cost subscription tier. But as it races to catch up with Spotify, Apple could be reconsidering its stand.
Code hints that Apple Music is testing a free or low-cost tier
Ever since Apple Music launched in 2015, Cupertino has positioned the streaming service as the anti-Spotify — a premium offering that doesn’t chase users with free or stripped-down tiers (or maul users’ listening buzz with advertisements). Still, that high-minded philosophy could change. And it would mark a significant strategic shift, undoubtedly aimed at narrowing Spotify’s massive lead in global streaming.
Developer Aaron Perris recently spotted two strings of code in the Apple Music beta for Android devices: “Can’t skip any more tracks” and “Premium access required.” Both of these phrases indicate Apple Music might be preparing for a free or tiered-access experience, similar to what Spotify has been offering for years.
In a follow-up to his Friday post on X, Perris was careful to note that these strings of code could be about something completely unrelated, like Apple Music radio stations. Still, the phrases hint that Apple might be working on a new tiered subscription model.
If Apple does add a free tier to its music service, chances are it won’t have ads. Apple Music execs consistently say that advertising is at odds with the service’s core values (although that didn’t stop Apple from putting ads in Apple Maps and the App Store). A restricted, ad-free plan with limits on how many tracks you can skip might suit Apple Music rather than a Spotify-style ad-supported model.
Apple Music boss thinks otherwise
Just last month, Apple Music VP Oliver Schusser said in an interview with Billboard that “’free’ was a terrible idea,” adding that Apple was “proud” to be the only streaming service without a free plan.
That might be a bold thing to say just a month before Apple’s leaked code suggests otherwise. Maybe Schusser wasn’t aware of it, or Apple could be moving faster than it has ever done before. It isn’t a good look, but these phrases suggest that a free Apple Music tier could be on the way.
What a low-cost tier could look like
Apple Music currently offers four plans. The Individual plan costs $10.99 per month, while Family and Student plans go for $16.99 and $5.99 per month. The company also offers an Apple Music subscription as part of its Apple One bundles.
A free or budget tier could come with tradeoffs like skip limits and a lack of offline downloads. It wouldn’t offer the complete Apple Music experience but could still give Apple a way to expand its user base.
Unlike Spotify, Apple Music rarely divulges its subscriber numbers. But Apple Music lags far behind Spotify. As of late 2025, Spotify had more than 750 million users and more than 290 million paid subscribers, according to Statista. Apple Music is estimated to have 100 million paid subscribers, according to Chartlex.
Offering a free tier could be one of the best ways for Apple to close the gap, especially in overseas markets where Spotify dominates.
Apple usually uses WWDC to announce news alongside software, so a free Apple Music tier could be just around the corner. (The WWDC26 keynote happens next Monday.) Whether that happens remains to be seen, but the code strings and growing competition do suggest the pieces are already in place.
- See also: What to expect from iOS 27 at WWDC26
Anurag Chawake is a tech-focused writer specializing in smartphones, apps and consumer technology. His interest in computers began during the Windows 98 era, eventually leading him to explore everything from operating systems to mobile devices and PC hardware. Anurag previously contributed to The Indian Express, covering Apple, Android, gaming and the broader technology landscape.
