- There is evidence of a new free tier for Apple Music
- It will certainly come with certain limitations.
- Users fear that ads are involved.
The unlimited streaming 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 spotted in the latest Apple Music app for Android, that could be about to change.
Discovered by tipster Aaron Perris (via 9to5Mac), the code snippets mention limits on track skipping and a “Premium Access Required” message, both consistent with some sort of subscription-free tier for Apple Music’s streaming catalog.
However, Perris himself admits that the code strings could be related to something else, such as radio stations. They may soon work differently depending on whether or not you’re currently paying for an Apple Music plan.
Spotify’s free tier comes with ads and limits on audio quality, playlist creation, track order, and track skipping. Premium subscribers can also save playlists for offline use and usually get access. to the new features first too.
Does this mean ads?
NEW: It looks like Apple may be working on a free or lower-cost tier of Apple Music. The strings in the latest beta version of Apple Music for Android mention “I can’t skip any more tracks” and “Premium access required” pic.twitter.com/xGHeaDb7X3May 30, 2026
Based on Reddit reaction, this may not be such a popular move. “Oh no, not ads,” is a typical comment, and there seems to be a lot of resistance against Apple Music offering a free tier if it comes with ads attached.
Having traditionally kept advertising on its products to a minimum, Apple has recently started taking 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 sites.
We’ll have to wait and see if a free tier for Apple Music appears soon, perhaps at WWDC 2026 on June 8. You can now use the Apple Music app for free, of course, if you bring your own digital music with you.
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