Apple Music is available on Android, but unlike users with Apple hardware, Android users can’t really take advantage of clubbed subscriptions like Apple One.
That is mainly why users need to shell out $10.99/mo if they want to stream music via Apple, instead of leveraging YouTube Music or Spotify.
In the near future, however, those interested, be it Apple or Android users, will have an easier-to-choose alternative.
It looks like Apple is working on a free tier for Apple Music, which will put the streaming app on the same footing as YouTube Music and Spotify.
The development was first highlighted by MacRumors analyst @aaronp613 on X.
Apple Music code strings shared by Aaron clearly highlight an error prompt. “Can’t skip any more tracks,” reads the prompt, adding “Premium access required.”
The error will likely show up when a non-paying Apple Music user runs out of free skips, similar to Spotify’s implementation.
Considering that the string clearly says “tracks,” it is very likely that this isn’t for an unrelated feature, like radio stations on Apple Music. It isn’t clear what other limitations the free tier will come with. If its implementation is indeed similar to Spotify’s, then we could see some high-end features make their way to the free plan.
The free tier could be a gateway for Apple to get users in, before gently nudging them toward a paid subscription. It’s not entirely clear if and when the free tier could make its way out to users.
