You could be paying less for Apple Music right now. Many users qualify for discounts through student status, family plans, or special promotions but are unaware of the savings they’re missing. This guide explains the different types of discounts available, who is eligible for them, and exactly how you can check if you qualify. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy millions of songs for a fraction of the standard price.
Understanding the Different Apple Music Discounts
Apple offers several subscription tiers to make its music streaming service more accessible. These discounts aren’t just random promotions; they are structured plans designed to cater to different types of users, from students on a budget to large families. Understanding which category you fall into is the first step toward saving money.
The primary goal of these plans is to attract a wider audience. For example, the student discount helps bring in a younger demographic, while the family plan encourages households to adopt the Apple ecosystem together.
Before you can check your eligibility, it’s helpful to know what options are even available. Each plan has unique benefits and requirements.
Here are the most common types of discounts you can find:
- Student Discount: A significantly reduced monthly rate for verified college and university students.
- Family Plan: Allows up to six people to share a single subscription for one low price, drastically reducing the cost per person.
- Promotional Offers: These are often time-limited deals, such as extended free trials for new users or for those who purchase a new Apple device.
- Service Bundles: Apple One bundles Apple Music with other services like Apple TV+, iCloud+, and Apple Arcade for a single, discounted monthly fee.
Who is Eligible for an Apple Music Discount?
Eligibility is the most important factor in securing a discount. Apple has specific criteria for each of its reduced-price plans to ensure they are used by the intended audience. For instance, the student discount requires active enrollment, while a family plan is built around Apple’s Family Sharing feature.
The verification process is mandatory for certain discounts and is typically straightforward. For students, this usually involves confirming your enrollment through a third-party service. For family plans, you must be part of a designated Family Sharing group set up by an organizer.
Promotional offers have their own unique terms, which might depend on your purchase history or your mobile carrier. Always read the fine print for these limited-time deals. The table below breaks down the general requirements for the most popular plans.
| Discount Type | Main Eligibility Requirement |
|---|---|
| Student Plan | Must be enrolled in a degree-granting university or college and verify status. |
| Family Plan | Must be part of an Apple Family Sharing group with up to six members. |
| Promotional Offer | Varies by promotion; often for new subscribers or purchasers of Apple hardware. |
| Apple One Bundle | Requires subscribing to the Apple One package instead of just Apple Music. |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Eligibility
Finding out if you qualify for a discount is easier than you might think. You can check your eligibility directly from your iPhone, iPad, or computer in just a few minutes. This process allows you to see your current subscription status and explore other available plans.
By navigating to your account settings, you can easily switch plans if you find a better deal you qualify for. Apple makes this process seamless to encourage users to find the best plan for their needs.
- Open the Music App or iTunes: On your Apple device, open the Music app. On a PC, open iTunes.
- Go to Your Account: Tap on your profile picture or icon. This is usually found in the “Listen Now” or “For You” tab. From there, select “Manage Subscription.”
- View Available Plans: You will see a list of all available subscription plans, including Individual, Family, and Student. If you are eligible for the student plan, the option will be presented here.
- Follow the Verification Prompts: If you select the Student or Family plan, Apple will guide you through the necessary verification steps to confirm your eligibility and apply the discount.
How to Verify Your Student Status for a Discount
The Apple Music student discount is one of the best deals available, offering the full premium experience at about half the price. To get this discount, you must prove that you are a student enrolled at an eligible institution.
Apple uses a third-party verification service called UNiDAYS to confirm your student status. This process is standard for most student discounts online and helps prevent misuse of the offer.
You will need to provide some basic information to complete the verification. This typically includes your university email address or access to your student portal. The verification is required annually to ensure you are still enrolled and eligible for the discount. If you graduate or leave school, your plan will automatically switch to the standard individual plan.
Maximizing Savings with the Apple Music Family Plan
For households with multiple music lovers, the Apple Music Family Plan offers incredible value. Instead of paying for several individual subscriptions, one person can act as the organizer and invite up to five other family members to join their plan. Each person gets their own private account with personal playlists and recommendations.
The cost savings are significant. For example, if an individual plan costs $10.99 per month, six separate subscriptions would total over $65. A family plan, costing just $16.99 per month, brings the per-person cost down to less than $3.
Setting up the plan is simple. The organizer just needs to enable Family Sharing in their Apple ID settings and send invitations to family members. It’s a cost-effective solution for families who want to share access to the entire Apple Music library without sharing an account.
Don’t Forget About Promotional Offers and Bundles
Beyond the standard student and family plans, you can also save money through special promotions and service bundles. Apple frequently offers extended free trials of Apple Music, often for three to six months, to customers who purchase new products like an iPhone, AirPods, or HomePod.
Another excellent way to save is with Apple One. This all-in-one subscription bundles several Apple services together for a single monthly price. If you already use or are interested in services like iCloud storage, Apple TV+, or Apple Arcade, bundling them with Apple Music through an Apple One plan can offer substantial savings compared to subscribing to each service individually. Keep an eye on Apple’s website for these offers, as they provide a great way to enjoy more services for less.
Frequently Asked Questions about Apple Music Discounts
How much is the Apple Music student discount?
The Apple Music student plan is typically priced at $5.99 per month in the United States, which is about half the cost of a standard individual plan. This price includes full access to the Apple Music library and, in some regions, a free subscription to Apple TV+.
Can I get a discount if I’m not a student or part of a family?
Yes, you can still find savings. Look for promotional offers tied to new Apple device purchases or deals from mobile carriers. Additionally, subscribing to an Apple One bundle is a great way to get Apple Music at a reduced effective price by packaging it with other services.
What happens to my student discount when I graduate?
Apple requires you to re-verify your student status annually. Once you graduate or are no longer enrolled, you will fail the verification check. Your subscription will then automatically convert to the standard individual plan at the full price.
How many people can use the Apple Music family plan?
The Apple Music family plan allows up to six people to enjoy the service. This includes the plan organizer and up to five additional family members they invite to their Family Sharing group.
Do I need to live in the same house to use a family plan?
While you don’t need to live at the same physical address, all members of a Family Sharing group must have their Apple ID set to the same country or region. This is the primary requirement for sharing subscriptions like Apple Music.
Leave a Comment