The Apple Music subscription price increase that no one knows about

Some Apple users should check their subscription plans.

It’s no secret that Apple service subscriptions have different prices in different parts of the world due to varying currency exchange rates.

Of course, over time, people have learned how to save money by finding a country with a cheaper option and using a VPN to pay less for services. Others use an old university email to keep getting student discounts.

Nevertheless, price hikes consistently occur every couple of years or so, and usually apply worldwide.

Apple last increased the pricing of its subscriptions in 2023, when it raised prices for Apple TV+, Apple News+, and Apple One.

Now, users have discovered that the company plans to increase the subscription pricing for Apple Music.

As an Apple Music subscriber myself, I’m on an Individual plan, which currently costs €7.50 a month (about $8.50). It’s only when I click to “see all the plans” that it shows a new price, which is €9 a month (about $10.20).

According to this, I should be charged more starting in June.

What surprised me is that no notification or email has been sent about this change. Why is this?

According to the Apple support page, if the company decides to change the price, it will notify its users before implementing it by sending an email, push notification, and in-app notices.

However, it also indicates that developers “can increase the price of a subscription without interrupting the service” under certain conditions.

“If the increase does not exceed approximately USD $5 and 50% of the subscription price, or USD $50 and 50% for annual subscriptions, and where permitted by law, developers may change the price without interrupting service,” writes Apple.

However, it's not clear whether this applies to Apple subscriptions. If the rule about not exceeding $5 or 50% of the subscription price applies in this context, then it explains the unannounced price hike.

Nevertheless, even in this case, the company states that it will notify users of any price change.

It’s unclear whether the new pricing will be effective from June or whether the higher fee will only apply to new users. I guess I’ll find out soon enough.