Apple Music Review

Apple Music offers a catalog of over 100 million songs for streaming and offline downloads, including lossless audio as well as Spatial Audio tracks. Subscribers can upload up to 100,000 personal songs to iCloud Music Library, with files up to 200MB each. This combination of a massive catalog and cloud storage makes it possible to build a fully personalized music collection alongside Apple Music’s extensive library.

Apple Music has exclusive content and original programming that can’t be found on other streaming platforms. This includes Apple Music Sessions, intimate studio recordings where artists cover songs or reimagine their hits, and Apple Music Live, a series of live performances from major artists. High-profile musicians sometimes release albums, music videos, or bonus tracks exclusively on Apple Music for a limited time.

Additional exclusives include artist-led radio shows, curated features like Apple Music 100 Best Albums, and special “Apple Music Edition” content, giving subscribers early or unique access to music, interviews, and special audio content.

With an Apple Music Family Subscription, up to 6 people can stream music simultaneously on their own devices. Each member can listen to different songs, albums, or playlists without interrupting anyone else, all while keeping a personal library and tailored music recommendations.

Individual plans allow streaming on only one device at a time, so simultaneous listening is only possible with a Family Subscription.

An Apple Music Family Plan supports up to 6 individual profiles under a single subscription. Each profile uses a separate Apple ID, so every user gets their own library, recommendations, and listening history. Family Sharing manages access and lets the account owner add up to five additional members across iOS, iPadOS, Android, or Mac devices.

Apple Music lets music and videos be downloaded to an iPhone for offline listening. Content must be added to the library first, then downloaded via the Download button or using Siri commands like “Add this to my library.”

With Sync Library enabled, downloads are available across all devices on the same Apple ID. Automatic downloads can save all added music, and download progress appears in the Downloading section. Dolby Atmos tracks can be downloaded in stereo or Dolby Atmos.

Downloaded items can be removed from the device without affecting the library on other devices, and storage can be optimized to remove music not played recently. Cellular data and audio quality settings control downloads over mobile networks. Purchased music, movies, and TV shows can also be permanently downloaded for offline access.

Apple Music’s best music stories are available on Apple Podcasts, including specials and in-depth artist interviews. Podcasts are not played directly in the Apple Music app. Instead, they are accessed through the dedicated, free Apple Podcasts app on iOS devices or iTunes on desktop.

Apple Music subscribers can connect their Apple Music accounts in the Podcasts app to unlock premium, subscriber-only episodes. The app includes features such as search, subscriptions, offline listening via downloads, and support for video podcasts.

Apple Music includes parental controls that let you restrict access to explicit content and set viewing or listening limits based on ratings.

Content restrictions can be managed directly on the web by signing into your account at music.apple.com and opening Settings from the account menu. In the Parental Controls section, turn on Content Restrictions, create a four-digit passcode, and choose allowed ratings for music, TV shows, and movies. A recovery email can also be added in case the passcode needs to be reset.

Once enabled, these settings prevent changes without the passcode. You can return to the same section at any time to adjust rating limits, update the recovery email, change the passcode, or turn restrictions off.

Apple Music is available in 167 countries and regions, giving users access to over 100 million songs worldwide. Subscriptions generally work while traveling, so you can stream your library from most locations without changing your account region.

Some content may be restricted in certain countries due to licensing agreements. Also, regional restrictions can affect the availability of specific songs or albums. Permanently changing your Apple Account country or region requires canceling existing subscriptions and updating your payment method. Family Sharing also requires all members to be in the same region to keep access to shared purchases.