How to Get Free Apple Music: Your Ultimate Guide

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good freebie? In today’s world of ever-increasing subscription costs, saving a little money on the things we enjoy can make a real difference. And for many, music is a daily essential, making Apple Music a tempting but potentially pricey service. Access to millions of songs, curated playlists, and exclusive content sounds fantastic, but the monthly fee can quickly add up, especially if you’re already juggling other subscriptions. Finding legitimate ways to enjoy Apple Music without breaking the bank is something many are searching for, allowing them to enjoy their favorite tunes without the financial strain.

The good news is that there are several avenues to explore that can grant you free or discounted access to Apple Music. From leveraging student discounts and family sharing plans to taking advantage of trial periods and bundled offers, there’s likely a method that fits your specific circumstances. Understanding these strategies can unlock a world of music without costing you a dime, or at least significantly reducing the financial burden. Knowing these strategies might just change the way you listen to music!

What are the most common ways to snag Apple Music for free or cheap?

Are there any legitimate ways to get Apple Music for free?

Yes, there are a few legitimate ways to access Apple Music without paying a subscription fee. These methods typically involve trial periods, bundled offers with other Apple services or products, or through promotional partnerships with specific companies.

While a completely indefinite, cost-free Apple Music subscription isn’t offered, Apple provides free trial periods to new users. This allows you to explore the entire Apple Music library and features for a limited time, typically one to three months, before committing to a paid subscription. Regularly keep an eye out for promotions linked to device purchases (like new iPhones, iPads, or AirPods) as they often include extended free trials. Additionally, students enrolled in eligible degree-granting universities and colleges can subscribe to Apple Music at a discounted rate, which might feel “free” compared to the standard individual plan, and this student plan also typically includes Apple TV+. Another avenue is through bundled services like Apple One. Apple One combines several Apple subscriptions (Apple Music, Apple TV+, iCloud+, Apple Arcade) into a single monthly payment, which can be more economical than subscribing to each service individually. While not technically free, it represents a significant cost saving and effectively reduces the individual cost of Apple Music if you already utilize other Apple services. Keep an eye out for carrier promotions or partnerships that might include Apple Music as part of your mobile plan or other service bundles.

How can I get a free Apple Music trial?

The most common way to get a free Apple Music trial is by signing up for a new subscription. Apple often offers a free trial period, typically one month, to new subscribers. This allows you to explore the entire Apple Music library, features, and radio stations without any initial cost.

To claim your free Apple Music trial, download the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android device. You can also access it through the Apple Music website. During the signup process, you’ll usually be prompted to choose a subscription plan (Individual, Family, or Student). Even though you’re signing up for a plan, you won’t be charged until the trial period ends. Make sure to set a reminder to cancel your subscription before the trial ends if you don’t want to continue with a paid membership. Occasionally, Apple partners with other companies to offer extended free trials. Keep an eye out for promotions from retailers like Best Buy or mobile carriers. These promotions can sometimes provide access to Apple Music for several months at no cost. Another option is to consider subscribing to an Apple One bundle, which includes Apple Music along with other Apple services like Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage. While not directly a “free” Apple Music trial, Apple One bundles also come with a free trial period, letting you sample all included services, including Apple Music, at once.

Can I get Apple Music for free with a student discount?

Yes, in some cases you can effectively get Apple Music for free with a student discount, but it’s technically bundled with Apple TV+. Students who subscribe to Apple Music Student Plan get access to Apple TV+ at no additional cost. Since Apple TV+ typically costs a separate monthly fee, this bundle offers significant savings and effectively makes Apple Music “free” if you value and would otherwise pay for Apple TV+ anyway.

The key here is understanding that Apple doesn’t offer a completely standalone free version of Apple Music specifically for students. The student discount is applied to the Apple Music subscription itself. However, by bundling Apple TV+, the value proposition changes considerably. If you’re already interested in Apple TV+ content, then the student-discounted Apple Music subscription becomes a very appealing package. To qualify for the Apple Music Student Plan, you need to be a student at an eligible university or college. Apple uses UNiDAYS to verify your student status. The discounted rate is typically available for up to 48 months (4 years) of enrollment, which doesn’t necessarily have to be consecutive. After your student status expires, your subscription will automatically convert to a regular Apple Music subscription at the standard monthly rate.

Do any mobile carriers offer free Apple Music subscriptions?

Yes, several mobile carriers offer free Apple Music subscriptions as part of certain plans or promotions. The availability and duration of these offers vary depending on the carrier, plan type, and ongoing promotions.

Mobile carriers often bundle entertainment perks, like Apple Music, to attract and retain customers. These offers typically come with their premium, unlimited data plans. The length of the free subscription can range from a few months to the entire duration of your mobile plan, depending on the specific deal. Keep an eye on promotional periods as carriers often refresh their offerings to stay competitive. To find out if your mobile carrier offers a free Apple Music subscription, visit their website or contact their customer service. Look for sections detailing included perks, entertainment bundles, or streaming offers. Be sure to carefully review the terms and conditions of the promotion, as there may be specific eligibility requirements or limitations, such as needing a specific unlimited plan or a minimum contract length.

Are there Apple product bundles that include free Apple Music?

Yes, Apple offers certain bundles that include free Apple Music, primarily through Apple One subscriptions and sometimes as promotional offers associated with specific Apple products, particularly audio devices like AirPods or Beats headphones.

Apple One bundles multiple Apple services, such as Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and Apple News+, into a single monthly subscription at a reduced price compared to subscribing to each service individually. There are different Apple One tiers (Individual, Family, and Premier), and each tier includes Apple Music. Choosing the right tier depends on your specific needs for the other services included, but if you’re already paying for several Apple services, Apple One can be a cost-effective way to also get Apple Music. Occasionally, Apple will run promotional offers that include a free trial or a limited-time subscription to Apple Music with the purchase of select Apple products, most often audio devices such as AirPods, Beats headphones, or HomePod mini. These promotions are usually time-sensitive and product-specific, so it’s important to check the terms and conditions when purchasing an eligible device. Look for details about the offer in the product packaging or on the Apple website during the purchase process. Be aware that some promotions may only be available to new Apple Music subscribers.

What’s the catch with these “free Apple Music” offers online?

The catch with most “free Apple Music” offers online is that they are often either scams, misleading marketing tactics, or limited-time trials requiring eventual payment or subscription. Genuine free offers are usually tied to purchasing Apple products or services, or are promotional periods offered by Apple or its partners.

Many websites and social media posts promising completely free, unlimited Apple Music access indefinitely are likely phishing schemes or attempts to install malware on your device. These sites may ask for your Apple ID credentials, financial information, or require you to complete dubious “surveys” which harvest your data. Never provide sensitive information to untrusted sources. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.

Legitimate free Apple Music offers generally come with strings attached. For example, purchasing new AirPods, Beats headphones, or other eligible Apple products might include a free subscription for a limited period (e.g., six months). Mobile carriers often bundle Apple Music subscriptions with certain phone plans, but the cost is ultimately factored into your monthly bill. Apple themselves periodically offer free trial periods to new subscribers, but these trials automatically convert to paid subscriptions unless canceled before the trial ends. Always read the fine print associated with any “free” offer to understand the terms and conditions, including the duration of the free period, any auto-renewal policies, and what information is required to redeem the offer.

Can family sharing get me Apple Music without paying individually?

Yes, family sharing is a great way to get Apple Music without each family member paying individually. With an Apple Music Family subscription, one person pays a single monthly fee, and up to six family members can enjoy full access to Apple Music on their own devices.

Family Sharing works by allowing a designated “organizer” to invite other members of their family to join. Once invited and accepted, each family member gets their own Apple ID, and the organizer’s chosen payment method is used to cover subscriptions like Apple Music Family. This means everyone gets their own personalized Apple Music library, recommendations, and listening history, without sharing an account or interfering with each other’s preferences. Each member essentially has a full, individual Apple Music subscription, just paid for collectively. Beyond Apple Music, Family Sharing also unlocks other benefits. The organizer can choose to share other Apple subscriptions like iCloud storage, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade, extending the value of the shared plan. Additionally, features like purchase sharing (for apps and books) and location sharing are also available, making it a central hub for family organization and savings.

So there you have it! Hopefully, these tips have helped you snag some free Apple Music and get your groove on. Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back soon for more awesome tips and tricks. Happy listening!