Why Apple Music Is More Than the Obvious Choice
Spotify, YouTube Music, Deezer. The choice is vast. And yet, as an Apple user, you often automatically choose Apple Music. Logically so, because the integration with your iPhone, iPad, and AirPods is seamless. No hassle with separate apps; everything works immediately.
But here's the thing: precisely that obvious choice can blind you to what you're actually missing. Because while you might think Apple Music simply 'belongs' with your Apple devices, you could be overlooking features that can completely transform your music experience. Think of spatial audio, which you truly benefit from with the right accessories. Or the ability to seamlessly combine your old iTunes library with streaming.
This article shows why Apple Music is more than just the standard choice – and how to truly get the most out of it.
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The power of seamless integration
Apple Music distinguishes itself primarily through its deep integration with the complete Apple ecosystem. While other streaming services function as separate apps, this music service is interwoven into the operating system of your devices. This means you can give commands directly from Siri, your music automatically syncs between devices, and even your HomePod seamlessly connects to your library.
Synchronization works via iCloud, so a playlist you create on your Mac in the morning is immediately available on your iPhone during your train journey. This integration goes beyond just playing music. For example, you can skip songs with your Apple Watch while running without taking out your phone, or access your favorite playlists directly via CarPlay in your car.
Spatial audio: more than marketing
The spatial audio feature with Dolby Atmos is not a gimmick but a fundamentally different listening experience. With compatible headphones like the AirPods Pro or AirPods Max, you get a three-dimensional sound where instruments and voices literally seem to float around you. The difference is especially noticeable in classical music, live recordings, and modern productions specifically mixed for this format.
Important to know: not all songs support this technology. In the app, you will see a special icon next to tracks available in Dolby Atmos. The catalog is growing rapidly; more and more artists are re-releasing their albums in this format.
Retain your existing music collection
An often overlooked advantage is the ability to combine your own music collection with the streaming library. Through iTunes Match, you can upload up to 100,000 songs to iCloud, including rare recordings, bootlegs, or your own compositions not available on streaming services. These songs are then treated as part of your regular library.
The process works as follows:
- Music in your iTunes or Music app is automatically scanned
- Songs already in the Apple Music catalog become directly available in higher quality
- Unique tracks are uploaded to your personal iCloud space
- Everything is then streamable on all your devices, without using local storage
Prices and subscription plans
The service offers various subscription options. The individual subscription costs 10.99 euros per month, comparable to competitors. The family subscription for up to six people costs 16.99 euros, making it attractive for households with multiple Apple users. Students pay only 5.99 euros after verification of their student status.
A lesser-known option is Apple One, which combines Apple Music with other services such as iCloud+, Apple TV+, and Apple Arcade. For families, this bundle package can be financially attractive, especially if you use multiple services.
Lossless audio without compromise
Since 2021, the streaming service has offered lossless audio at no extra cost. This means CD quality (16-bit/44.1 kHz) up to hi-res lossless (24-bit/192 kHz). For the average listener with standard earbuds, the difference is minimal, but audiophile users with good equipment definitely notice an improvement in detail and dynamics.
Please note: for hi-res lossless, you need external equipment such as a DAC (digital-to-analog converter). The built-in speakers of your iPhone or Mac do not achieve this quality. Lossless audio also consumes significantly more data and storage space, so only enable it with an unlimited internet connection.
Practical tips for optimal use
To get the most out of your subscription, here are some concrete suggestions:
Make music available offline
Download playlists when you have Wi-Fi for air travel or areas with poor coverage. The app automatically caches recently played songs, but explicit downloading provides certainty.
Use time-synced lyrics
The app displays lyrics that scroll with the music, handy for karaoke or learning new languages. This feature also works offline if you have downloaded the song.
Share playlists smartly
Create collaborative playlists with friends for parties or road trips. Anyone with access can add songs, keeping the list dynamic.
The downside: where Apple Music falls short
Honesty dictates mentioning where the service is less strong. The social aspect lags behind Spotify. You cannot follow public profiles or see what friends are listening to. The algorithms for music discovery are solid but not superior. Spotify Wrapped, the annual overview of your listening habits, has no equivalent with the same impact.
Also, the web player is basic compared to the native apps. For users who often work on different computers, this can be a limitation. The Android app works fine but lacks some features that iOS users have.
Conclusion for the Apple user
For those already deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Apple's music streaming service is a logical choice. The integration, audio quality, and preservation of your own collection outweigh the limitations in social features. It is not a revolutionary service, but a solid execution that does exactly what you expect within the familiar environment of your Apple devices.
Apple Music: the logical choice within the Apple ecosystem
Apple Music is not a spectacular innovator, but it doesn't have to be. For those who already use Apple devices, it offers exactly what you need: reliable streaming that just works. The combination of spatial audio, lossless quality, and the ability to retain your own music collection makes it a mature service.
Yes, the social features are limited and Spotify scores better on music discovery. But if you value integration over innovation, and quality over community, then Apple Music is the obvious choice within your Apple ecosystem.
