What you get with Apple Music's yearly plan

Apple Music's yearly subscription is a single upfront payment that covers 12 months of streaming access. You pay once a year instead of monthly, and the annual rate is lower per month than paying month-to-month. The service includes unlimited streaming of Apple Music's catalog, offline downloads so you can listen without internet, and access to Apple Music Classical (a separate app designed for classical music) at no extra cost.

The yearly plan works the same way as the monthly plan in terms of what you can do: create playlists, share music with others, get personalized recommendations, and listen across all your devices. The only difference is the payment structure and the total cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Music's yearly subscription costs less per month than the monthly plan, though you pay the full year upfront.
  • You can cancel anytime, but you do not receive a refund for unused months if you cancel before the year ends.
  • The yearly plan includes the same features as the monthly plan: unlimited streaming, offline downloads, and access to Apple Music Classical.
  • If you have an Apple One bundle subscription, Apple Music is already included and you cannot switch to the yearly plan separately.

Current pricing and how it compares

As of 2024, Apple Music's yearly subscription costs $119 per year in the United States. The monthly plan costs $12.99 per month, which adds up to $155.88 per year if you pay monthly for 12 months. The yearly plan saves you roughly $36 per year compared to monthly payments.

Pricing varies by country and can change. If you live outside the United States, check Apple Music's pricing page for your region. Student plans and family plans have different pricing structures and may offer different yearly options.

How to purchase the yearly plan

You start a yearly subscription through the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or through the web at music.apple.com. Open the app, go to the account or settings section, and look for subscription options. Select the yearly plan and confirm your payment method. Apple will charge your account immediately for the full year.

If you already have a monthly subscription, you can switch to yearly. Apple will credit any remaining balance from your current month toward the yearly payment. The exact credit depends on how many days are left in your current billing cycle.

What happens when your subscription renews

Your yearly subscription automatically renews on the same date each year. Apple will charge your payment method on the renewal date unless you cancel before then. You will receive a reminder email a few days before the renewal date so you know when the charge is coming.

If your payment method fails or is expired, Apple will try the payment again over several days. If it continues to fail, your subscription will pause until you update your payment information. You will not lose your playlists or account data during a pause, but you cannot stream music until the payment goes through.

Canceling the yearly plan

You can cancel your yearly subscription at any time through your Apple account settings. Go to your account, find the subscription section, and select the option to cancel Apple Music. The cancellation takes effect immediately, and you lose access to streaming right away.

Apple does not refund the unused portion of your yearly subscription if you cancel before the year ends. If you cancel on day 100 of a 365-day subscription, you do not receive a refund for the remaining 265 days. This is the main trade-off of paying yearly: you save money per month, but you lose the flexibility to stop and get money back.

Family and student yearly options

Apple Music offers a family plan that covers up to six people, and a student plan for full-time students. Both have yearly payment options available. The family plan yearly cost is higher than the individual yearly plan but lower per person than six individual subscriptions. The student plan yearly cost is lower than the standard individual yearly plan.

Family plan members each get their own account, playlists, and recommendations. The student plan requires verification through a third-party service that confirms your enrollment. Both plans renew automatically on the same schedule as the individual yearly plan.

Using the yearly plan across devices

Your yearly subscription works on any device where you sign in with your Apple ID: iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, Apple TVs, and HomePods. You can stream on multiple devices at the same time. Offline downloads sync across your devices, so music you download on your iPhone is available on your iPad if you are signed in with the same Apple ID.

If you use a non-Apple device like an Android phone or Windows computer, you can still use Apple Music through the app or web player. Your yearly subscription covers all of these devices equally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from yearly to monthly or back again?

Yes. If you have a yearly subscription, you can switch to monthly at any time. Apple will credit your remaining balance toward the monthly plan. If you have a monthly subscription, you can switch to yearly, and Apple will credit any remaining balance from your current month toward the yearly payment.

What if I have an Apple One bundle?

Apple One bundles include Apple Music as part of the package. You cannot purchase a separate yearly Apple Music subscription if you already have Apple One. You would need to cancel Apple One first, then purchase Apple Music yearly separately.

Do I lose my playlists if my subscription expires?

Your playlists and account data stay in your account even after your subscription ends. If you resubscribe later, everything is still there. However, you cannot stream any music while your subscription is inactive.

Can I get a refund if I cancel before the year is up?

No. Apple does not refund unused months on yearly subscriptions. If you cancel after three months of a 12-month subscription, you do not receive a refund for the remaining nine months. This is why the yearly plan is best for people who know they will use the service for the full year.

Does the yearly plan include music videos and live performances?

Yes. Your yearly subscription includes access to music videos, live performances, and exclusive content the same way the monthly plan does. There is no separate tier or additional cost for this content.