With no formal announcement, email to subscribers, a press release or any other notification, Apple has increased the price of many of its subscription services. Apple Music, Apple TV+ and Apple One have all increased in price.
Appel did release a statement, to 9to5Mac saying:
The subscription prices for Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Apple One will increase beginning today. The change to Apple Music is due to an increase in licensing costs, and in turn, artists and songwriters will earn more for the streaming of their music. We also continue to add innovative features that make Apple Music the world’s best listening experience. We introduced Apple TV+ at a very low price because we started with just a few shows and movies. Three years later, Apple TV+ is home to an extensive selection of award-winning and broadly acclaimed series, feature films, documentaries, and kids and family entertainment from the world’s most creative storytellers.
Source: 9to5Mac
For Australian subscribers, here are the changes.
| Service | Old Price | New Price |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Music | $9.99 per month/$99 annual | $10.99 per month/$109 annual |
| Apple Music’s family plan | $14.99 per month | $16.99 per month |
| Apple TV+ | $4.99 per month/$49 annual | $6.99 per month/$69 annual |
| Apple One Bundle (single users) | $14.95 per month | $16.95 per month |
| Apple One Bundle (Family Plan) | $19.95 per month | $22.95 per month |
| Apple One Bundle (Premier Plan) | $29.95 per month | $32.95 per month |
For some context, Spotify’s current pricing is:
- Individual: $11.99 per month ($5.99 for students)
- Family: $18.99 per month (up to six accounts)
Streaming video is a a little harder to compare as there are many more competing services. But, Apple TV+ remains good value although its catalog is still skinnier than Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Binge or Paramount+ in Australia. All those services cost more per year with many announcing their own price rises over recent weeks..
Increasing prices like this, without a formal announcement or notification to subscribers is quite poor in my view. Clearly, holding over USD$200B in cash is a struggle that can only be managed by increasing prices.
Anthony is the founder of Australian Apple News. He is a long-time Apple user and former editor of Australian Macworld. He has contributed to many technology magazines and newspapers as well as appearing regularly on radio and occasionally on TV.
I did receive notification via email of the price increase. I was given over one month’s notice of this increase (which allows me to change plans to avoid the price rise). Am I bothered by the price rise? No. I think artists (and journalists) should be paid for their creative efforts.
Interesting. I’m yet to be notified. But i agree about artists being paid. Thanks for the comment.