Apple Music remains one of the most popular music streaming services, but recent price increases have made some users reconsider their subscriptions. In July 2026, the Individual Plan increased from $10.99 to $11.99/month, the Family Plan from $16.99 to $19.99/month, and the Student Plan from $5.99 to $6.99/month. While the increase is not huge, it can matter when you already pay for multiple streaming services.
Apple Music still offers strong value with over 100 million songs, Dolby Atmos-powered Spatial Audio, syncing across Apple, Android, and Windows devices, and features like lyrics translation, pronunciation, AutoMix, and Pins. Eligible new subscribers can get a one-month free trial, while some promotions extend this to three months. Partner offers from apps like Shazam, retailers like Best Buy, carriers such as Verizon, and select audio device purchases may also provide free trials or discounts.
This guide covers 20+ ways to get Apple Music free, including official trials, device offers, carrier deals, retailer promotions, and partner offers. Keep reading to find the best option for you.
Part 1. How Does the Apple Music Free Trial Work?
Apple Music offers a free trial for eligible new subscribers, allowing you to try the full service before starting a paid subscription. It includes the same features as a paid plan, including over 100 million songs, ad-free listening, offline downloads, Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio, personalized libraries, and Apple Music Classical where available.
To start a trial, open the Apple Music app, select the available offer, choose an eligible plan, and sign in with your Apple Account. You can also start it through Apple Music on the web. Supported plans may include the Individual Plan, Family Plan, Student Plan, and Apple One, depending on the offer. A valid payment method is required, and subscriptions renew automatically unless canceled.
Free trials are mainly available to eligible new subscribers, including users with a new Apple Account or an account that has not previously used Apple Music. Availability varies by region, account status, and promotions. Some extended trials are linked to specific devices or partner offers and may require additional redemption steps. After activation, you can use Apple Music across compatible devices with the same Apple Account.
Is Apple Music offering a free trial for 6 months?
Yes, Apple Music is currently offering a free trial for 6 months to eligible customers with audio devices. If you don't plan to buy an eligible audio device, you can benefit from the Apple Music 1-month free trial which is accessible on the Apple Music platform such as Apple Music application for desktop, mobile and web.
Can I cancel my Apple Music free trial at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your Apple Music free trial at any time during the 6-month period without being charged.
What happens after my Apple Music free trial ends?
If you do not cancel your subscription before the end of the trial period, you will be automatically charged the monthly subscription fee for Apple Music.
What is the monthly subscription fee for Apple Music?
The monthly subscription fee for Apple Music is $10.99 for an individual account and $14.99 for a family account (up to 6 people).
Can I still use Apple Music after the free trial ends if I don't want to pay the subscription fee?
No, you will not be able to access Apple Music after the free trial ends if you do not subscribe and pay the monthly fee. However, during the free trial period you'll want to download Apple Music to audio files to keep forever by some third-party software tools such as ViWizard Apple Music Converter.
Part 2. Can You Get Apple Music Free Forever?
Some users try to keep Apple Music long-term by stacking promotions, device deals, or timed offers. This can work, but it often requires careful planning or managing between multiple accounts.
You might be thinking: I've been loving Apple Music during my free trial - why would I need an alternative? Because once that trial ends, so does your access to Apple Music's library and offline downloads. Even worse, you'll have to rebuild your entire music library from scratch.
And honestly, constantly chasing new free opportunities isn't fun. Many users eventually realize they've already used the best deals - some of which end up costing more than a normal subscription.
Join Apple Music Once, Keep It Forever
A smarter approach is simply backing up your music with ViWizard Apple Music Converter. It converts your Apple Music tracks into real audio files - MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, or M4B - just like the files you'd keep in iTunes. Select your songs or entire library, choose a format, hit Convert, and you're done. All details stay intact, and your music becomes fully portable.
Whether you want backups, offline playback on older devices, or tracks for personal projects, ViWizard makes it easy and lets you keep your Apple Music collection permanently.
Need Apple Music in more flexible audio formats? ViWizard Apple Music Converter helps Apple Music subscribers create a personal music library with seamless music backup. Build your collection and keep your music beyond the Apple Music app.
Part 3. How to Get Apple Music Free with Official Offers and Promotions
Apple provides different ways to try Apple Music without paying upfront, including free trials, device promotions, and subscription discounts. Some options are only available to certain users or in specific regions.
01Get Apple Music Free with the Standard Free Trial
The easiest way to try Apple Music is through Apple's official free trial. It is best for new users who want to explore the service before subscribing. Apple offers free trials for eligible new subscribers, but the length varies by region and promotion. Some users may get a 1-month trial, while limited-time offers may extend it to 3 months. Remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid automatic billing.
To activate the trial, open the Apple Music app on a supported device, sign in with an Apple Account, and accept the offer when available. After the trial ends, the subscription automatically renews unless canceled. In the US, the Individual Plan costs $11.99/month. The trial provides full access to over 100 million songs, offline downloads, lossless audio, Spatial Audio, and ad-free listening. Free trials are mainly available to eligible new subscribers, while returning users can look for special offers and promotions.
01Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or other supported device.
02Sign in with your Apple Account when prompted.
03Go to the Listen Now tab.
04Tap Try It Free or select the available trial offer.
05Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your subscription.
Read More: Apple Music Returning Users Free Trial Guide & Tips
02Get Apple Music Free with Eligible Apple Device Purchases
New customers who purchase eligible Apple devices can get up to 3 months of Apple Music free. This option is ideal for buyers of iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, or eligible audio devices.
To redeem the offer, set up the device, update the software, open the Apple Music app, sign in with an Apple Account, and accept the offer when prompted. Audio device users may need to pair their device before claiming the trial. These offers provide full Apple Music access during the trial period but are limited to eligible purchases and must be redeemed within the required timeframe.
01Set up your eligible Apple device, such as an iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Watch, AirPods, HomePod, or Beats device.
02Update your device to the latest version of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS.
03Pair eligible AirPods or Beats devices with your iPhone or iPad if required.
04Open the Apple Music app.
05Sign in with your Apple Account.
06Tap Accept Now when the Apple Music offer appears.
03Get Apple Music Free with Apple Card and Apple Offers
Apple occasionally runs special promotions through Apple services, including Apple Card offers. In the past, Apple Card holders could get 3 months of Apple Music free, even if they had subscribed before. These offers were usually available through the Apple Music app, Apple Account settings, or Apple's official promotion pages, but this offer is currently no longer available.
Some promotions may require conditions such as a valid payment method linked to an Apple Account. This option is best for users who already use Apple services, but availability is limited and offers may not apply to all users, including existing subscribers.
01Open the Wallet app on your iPhone.
02Tap your Apple Card.
03Look for an available Apple Music promotional offer.
04Tap the offer and follow the on-screen instructions.
05Sign in with your Apple Account and confirm the subscription.
04Get Apple Music Free or Cheaper with Returning User Offers
Former Apple Music subscribers may receive special offers when they return to the service. Apple sometimes provides discounted pricing or promotional trials to encourage canceled subscribers to restart their membership. One previous promotion offered six months of Apple Music for $3, but it has already expired. These offers are rare and change frequently, so users should check for new deals regularly.
Eligible users may see these offers in the Apple Music app after signing in with their previous Apple Account. This allows them to keep their existing library, playlists, and preferences. However, not all former subscribers qualify, as availability depends on subscription history, previous trials, and current promotions.
01Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
02Go to the Listen Now tab.
03Look for an available Apple Music promotional offer.
04Tap the offer and review the promotional pricing.
05Sign in with your Apple Account and confirm the subscription.
05Save Money on Apple Music with the Family Plan
The Apple Music Family Plan is not free, but it can reduce costs for households with multiple users. It allows up to six family members to share one subscription while keeping separate libraries, playlists, and recommendations through Apple Family Sharing.
In the US, the Family Plan costs $19.99/month and includes all Apple Music features, including offline downloads, lossless audio, Spatial Audio, and ad-free listening. This option is best for families or groups because the cost per person decreases as more members share the plan. All members must belong to the same Family Sharing group.
01Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
02Tap your name at the top of the screen.
03Tap Family Sharing.
04Tap Set Up Your Family and follow the instructions.
05Subscribe to the Apple Music Family Plan.
06Invite family members to join your Family Sharing group.
Read More: Apple Music Family Plan Guide & Tips
06Get Apple Music at a Discount with the Student Plan
The Apple Music Student Plan gives eligible college students the same features as the Individual Plan at a lower price. In the US, it costs $6.99/month after the trial period and includes over 100 million songs, offline listening, Spatial Audio, and lossless audio. Eligible students also receive Apple TV+ access at no additional cost for up to 48 months.
Students must verify their enrollment status through UNiDAYS to get the discount. Apple may require periodic verification, and the subscription changes to the regular Individual Plan price once the user is no longer eligible.
01Open the Apple Music app or Apple Music subscription page.
02Select the Student Plan.
03Verify your student status through the required verification process.
04Sign in with your Apple Account.
05Complete the subscription setup.
Read More: Apple Music Student Plan Guide & Tips
07Get Apple Music Included with the Apple One Plan
Apple One combines Apple Music with other Apple services, including Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud+. It is a good option for users who already subscribe to multiple Apple services. Apple One includes a one-month free trial for services users do not already have, then renews automatically unless canceled.
In the US, Apple One offers three plans. The Individual Plan costs $14.95/month and includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and 50GB of iCloud storage, saving about $6/month compared with separate subscriptions. The Family Plan costs $19.95/month and supports up to six people with 200GB of iCloud storage, saving about $8/month. The Premier Plan costs $29.95/month and includes 2TB of iCloud storage, plus Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+ where available, offering savings of over $25/month.
This option is best for users who use multiple Apple services. Family and Premier plans also provide sharing options for up to six people. Users who only want Apple Music may save more with a standalone subscription, but Apple One offers better value for those who need several Apple services.
01Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
02Tap your name at the top of the screen.
03Tap Subscriptions.
04Tap Apple One.
05Choose an available Apple One plan.
06Tap Subscribe and complete the setup.
08Get Apple Music Cheaper with Apple Gift Card Offers
Apple Gift Card offers can help users lower their Apple Music subscription costs. This option suits users who already use Apple services or plan to purchase other Apple products and services, such as iCloud+, apps, movies, or hardware.
Apple and retailers occasionally offer discounts on Apple Gift Cards in denominations such as $25, $50, or $100. Users can redeem the gift card to add funds to their Apple Account and use the balance to pay for Apple Music. However, these promotions are limited-time offers and may not always be available. Apple Gift Cards do not provide free Apple Music trials.
01Purchase an Apple Gift Card during an eligible promotion.
02Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
03Tap your profile picture.
04Tap Redeem Gift Card or Code.
05Enter the gift card code and add the balance to your Apple Account.
06Use your Apple Account balance to pay for Apple Music.
Read More: Apple Music Gift Card Guide & Tips
Part 4: How to Get Apple Music Free with Third-Party Offers and Promotions
Besides Apple's own offers, you can sometimes find Apple Music free trials through mobile carriers, retailers, gaming platforms, and other partner services. These deals usually come with their own requirements and expiration dates.
01Get Apple Music Free with Carrier Promotions
Carrier promotions are a common way to get Apple Music free because mobile providers often include trials or subscriptions with eligible plans. Examples include Verizon, EE Mobile, and iD Mobile. This option works best if you already have a mobile plan or plan to switch carriers. Offers may include several free months or Apple Music access with a higher-tier plan.
To claim the offer, sign in to your carrier account, activate the Apple Music benefit, and link it to your Apple Account. After activation, you can use Apple Music on supported devices, including iPhone, Android phones, and Macs. Availability depends on the carrier, plan, location, and account status. Some offers require a specific plan or active service, and subscriptions may renew at the regular price after the promotional period.
Get 6 Months Free with Verizon
Verizon offers up to 6 months of Apple Music free with eligible mobile plans. This option is best for Verizon users or those switching to a qualifying plan, as some higher-tier plans include Apple Music. To redeem the offer, sign in to your Verizon account through the My Verizon app or website, activate the Apple Music benefit, and link it to your Apple Account. You can then use Apple Music on supported devices, including iPhone, Android phones, and Macs. After the trial, Apple Music renews at the regular price unless canceled. Existing subscribers may need to cancel their current subscription before activation.
Get 6 Months Free with EE Mobile
EE offers 6 months of Apple Music free with eligible Consumer Pay Monthly and SIM-only plans. To redeem it, text MUSIC to 150, use the EE app, or activate it through your EE account, then link it to your Apple Account. The trial works across supported devices and renews as a paid subscription after 6 months unless canceled. Some business plans, tablet plans, or previously redeemed accounts may not qualify.
Get 3 Months Free with iD Mobile
iD Mobile has offered 3 months of Apple Music free with selected mobile plans. Eligible customers receive an activation link through their iD Mobile account or messages, then sign in with an Apple Account to complete setup. The subscription may renew at the standard price after the trial unless canceled.
02Get Apple Music Free with Retailer Promotions
Retailer promotions let you get Apple Music free through stores that offer Apple-related deals, product bundles, or membership benefits.
The process usually involves buying an eligible product from retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, or Target, joining a retailer program, or claiming a promotional code. You then redeem the code through Apple's offer page or the Apple Music app and sign in with an Apple Account. Availability varies by retailer and region, and some offers are limited to new subscribers or have expiration dates.
Get 3 Months Free with Best Buy
Best Buy offers up to 3 months of Apple Music free for eligible new and returning subscribers. To redeem it, claim the promotional code, redeem it through Apple's offer page, and sign in with your Apple Account. A payment method may be required, and Apple Music renews automatically after the trial unless canceled. The offer is limited to eligible users and usually requires a US Apple Account.
Read More: Apple Music Best Buy Free Trial Guide & Tips
Get 4 Months Free with Walmart
Walmart offers up to 4 months of Apple Music free through eligible purchases on Walmart.com or the Walmart app. To redeem it, purchase a qualifying item, receive the code through your order details or email, and redeem it through Apple's offer page. The offer is limited to eligible new or returning subscribers and requires a payment method. Apple Music renews at the regular price after the trial unless canceled.
Read More: Apple Music Walmart Free Trial Guide & Tips
Get 3 Months Free with Target
Target has offered Apple Music trials through Apple-related promotions, but no current official Target offer providing 3 months free has been verified.
Read More: Apple Music Target Free Trial Guide & Tips
03Get Apple Music Free with Device Promotions
Device promotions are available with eligible Apple products or accessories, making them useful if you are buying devices such as iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, AirPods, or Beats products. Some non-Apple devices, such as PlayStation consoles and LG TVs, may also offer limited-time Apple Music promotions.
After setting up the device, open the Apple Music app, sign in with an Apple Account, and accept the trial offer when available. Some accessories require pairing before the offer appears. These promotions depend on device eligibility and must be redeemed within a limited period. Existing Apple Music subscribers may not qualify unless the offer supports current users.
Read More: Apple Music Hardware Free Trial Guide & Tips
Get 6 Months Free with PlayStation 5
Apple Music has partnered with gaming platforms in the past, but no current official PlayStation 5 offer providing 6 months free has been verified.
Get 3 Months Free with LG TVs
LG has offered 3 months of Apple Music free on eligible LG Smart TVs and compatible devices. To redeem it, open the Apple Music app on a supported LG device, sign in with an Apple Account, and follow the instructions. Eligibility depends on your LG model, region, and Apple Music subscription history. The trial renews automatically unless canceled.
04Get Apple Music Free with Partner Service Promotions
Partner service promotions provide Apple Music trials through companies that bundle Apple services with their own products or subscriptions. These partners may include financial services, internet providers, entertainment platforms, or other subscription services. For example, Shazam has offered 2 months of Apple Music and 3 months of Apple Music Classical free.
To use the offer, sign in to the partner's app or website, claim the promotion, and follow the link to Apple's redemption page. After linking your Apple Account, you can use Apple Music normally. These offers are most useful if you already use a participating service. Check whether the subscription renews automatically after the promotional period.
Get 3 Months Free with iStyle Newsletter
No current official iStyle newsletter offer providing 3 months of Apple Music free has been verified.
Get 2 Months Free with djay
The djay app by Algoriddim has offered 2 months of Apple Music free through in-app promotions. To redeem it, open the djay app, follow the Apple Music offer, and connect your Apple Account. Availability depends on region and current promotions.
Get 2 Months Free with American Airlines
American Airlines has offered 2 months of Apple Music free for eligible new subscribers through its in-flight entertainment services. This option is ideal for frequent flyers who want ad-free music, Spatial Audio, and Apple Music access while traveling. To redeem it, connect to the American Airlines in-flight entertainment system on an eligible flight, follow the Apple Music promotion, and sign in with an Apple Account. The offer may include in-flight Wi-Fi for streaming Apple Music; availability depends on the flight route, aircraft, and Viasat Wi-Fi support.
Get 1 Month Free with Shazam
Shazam has offered Apple Music trials through its app, but no current official 1-month free Apple Music offer has been verified. When available, redeem it through Shazam by opening the Apple Music promotion, signing in with an Apple Account, and activating the trial.
Part 5. What Is the Best Way to Get Apple Music Free?
The best option depends on your situation, such as whether you are a new user, returning subscriber, student, or already using another service. Checking the available offers can help you find the easiest way to try Apple Music or save on a subscription.
Best Option for New Apple Music Users
If you are new to Apple Music and want to try the service first, the standard Apple Music free trial is the easiest option. Activate it through the Apple Music app by signing in with an Apple Account and accepting the offer when available. The trial gives you full access to over 100 million songs, offline downloads, Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio, and ad-free listening. Trial length depends on your region and promotions, with some users getting 1 month and limited offers extending to 3 months.
Best Option for Existing Apple Music Users
If you have used Apple Music before, the standard free trial may no longer be available. Instead, check returning-user offers, carrier promotions, retailer deals, and partner promotions, which may provide free months or discounted access depending on your eligibility.
Best Option for Students
If you are a college student who wants to keep Apple Music long term, the Apple Music Student Plan is usually the best value. In the US, it costs $6.99/month after the trial period and includes core features from the Individual Plan, including offline downloads, Lossless Audio, Spatial Audio, and access to over 100 million songs.
Best Option for Families
If several people in your household use Apple services, the Apple Music Family Plan can be a better choice. It costs $19.99/month in the US and allows up to six family members to share one subscription through Apple Family Sharing. While it is not free, it can lower the cost per person compared with separate plans.
Best Option for Long-Term Savings
If you want to avoid ongoing Apple Music payments or keep more control over your music files, ViWizard Apple Music Converter is worth considering. It lets you save Apple Music tracks as local audio files in formats such as MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A, and M4B, so you can play them on more devices without an active subscription. Unlike Apple Music downloads, which stay inside the app and require an active membership, converted files offer more flexibility for personal offline listening.
Ready to keep your Apple Music collection available anytime? Try ViWizard Apple Music Converter today and save your favorite tracks as local audio files for flexible offline listening anytime, anywhere.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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