Apple Music
Apple's music streaming service with curated playlists, live radio, lyrics and lossless audio
by Apple Inc. · listed Oct 18, 2026
Quick verdict
Worth installing if you are happy to pay for streaming, especially on iPhone, where it fits in with Siri, CarPlay and Apple Watch. Android users get the core service but a less polished app, and there is no free on-demand listening.
Best for iPhone users and anyone wanting lossless and spatial audio in a paid streaming service with human-curated playlists and radio.
Facts last verified Oct 19, 2026. How we review
Apple Music review
Apple Music is Apple's streaming service. Subscribers get a large catalog of songs and albums, curated playlists, live radio, synced lyrics and offline downloads. It is built into iPhones and other Apple devices and also runs on Android. It suits people in Apple's ecosystem and anyone who wants their own music library and streaming in one place.
Why we picked it: Lossless audio and Dolby Atmos spatial audio come with the standard subscription rather than as a paid add-on. The editorial playlists and radio shows are put together by human curators.
Watch out for: There is no free on-demand tier, so you need a subscription to do much beyond browsing and live radio. The Android app tends to trail the iOS version on features and polish.
What we like
- Lossless and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos included in the subscription
- Catalog of over 100 million songs, ad-free
- Human-curated playlists and radio shows
- Synced lyrics, with translations on select songs
- Works with CarPlay, Apple Watch and Siri, plus offline downloads
What could be better
- No free on-demand tier, so a subscription is needed for most features
- Android app trails the iOS version in features and polish
- Some features depend on country, plan or compatible hardware
- Hi-Res Lossless needs external equipment such as a USB DAC
Questions about Apple Music
Is Apple Music free?
The app is free to download, but listening on demand requires a paid subscription. Live radio can be browsed without one, and Apple often offers a trial period for new subscribers.
Does Apple Music work on Android?
Yes. It runs on Android phones, though it tends to lag behind the iPhone version in features and polish.
Can I listen offline?
Yes. Subscribers can download songs and albums and play them without a connection.
Does it support lossless audio?
Yes, lossless is available up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Hi-Res Lossless needs external equipment such as a USB digital to analog converter.
Can I use it on Apple Watch and in the car?
Yes. You can download and stream music on Apple Watch, and the app works with CarPlay.
From the developer: how Apple Music describes itself
Apple Music is all about the music, with the highest audio quality; exclusive, in-depth content and unparalleled access to the artists you love–all ad-free.
• Get unlimited access to over 100 million songs. • Playlists & stations made just for you. Find your Discovery Station, personalized picks, mixes, and more on Home. • Precise, beat-by-beat lyrics now include translations and pronunciations on many of your favorite songs to help you sing along with confidence.(1) • Take your listening to the next level with AutoMix. Like a DJ, AutoMix seamlessly transitions one song into the next. • Hear next-level sound quality with Spatial Audio(2) and lossless audio.(3) • Go deeper with the artists you love through in-depth interviews, live performances, and exclusive radio shows created by the most iconic names in music, and only found on Apple Music. • Find concerts in your area and tour dates for your favorite artists. • Keep the music going with AutoPlay for a continuous listening experience. • With Apple Music Sing, turn down the vocal volume and sing along with your favorite songs. And now you can pair your iPhone to an Apple TV to use as a microphone. It’s not karaoke... it’s better. • Listen with friends in real time using SharePlay, and control the music together in the car. • Share the music you love. Invite friends to collaborate on playlists,(4) join listening sessions with SharePlay, even share the lyrics that move you in Messages. • Download your favorite music, and listen offline. • Search for songs by lyrics, or ask Siri. • Take it all with you using CarPlay, and use your car controls to search for music.
Apple Watch Features:
• Download and stream music straight to your Apple Watch. • Search for music using scribble and dictation. • Use Home to quickly get back to your recently played, suggested stations, top picks and more. • Sort your favorite playlist, albums, and songs by your preference, right from your wrist.
1. Lyrics Translation and Lyrics Pronunciation is available for select songs in select languages and scripts. 2. Compatible hardware and software required. Not all content available in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. 3. Lossless audio available up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Hi-Res Lossless requires external equipment such as a USB digital to analog converter. 4. Users under the age of 13 cannot collaborate on playlists because they are not allowed to have identities within Music. Users in Cameroon, China mainland, Malawi, Mali, Russia, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, and Uruguay cannot collaborate.
Availability and features vary by country and region, plan, or device. To get the newest features, make sure your devices are running the latest software version. Subscriptions automatically renew unless they are canceled at least 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscriptions in Settings after purchase. Apple Media Services Terms and Conditions can be found at https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/.
Text from the app store listing, quoted for reference. Our own take is above.
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