Last Updated: February 2026 | Reading Time: 4 minutes | Author: First and Geek Editorial Team

In a rare moment of playful competition, Apple Music has publicly called attention to its pricing advantage over Spotify following the streaming giant’s latest round of price increases. As Spotify subscribers begin seeing higher bills on their February renewals, Apple’s music service reminded everyone on social media that its rates have remained steady since 2022.

Spotify’s February 2026 Price Increases

Spotify announced changes to its subscription pricing in January 2026, marking yet another increase for users across multiple plan tiers. The adjustments affect all major subscription categories in the United States and other markets.

Here’s how Spotify’s US pricing has changed:

• Spotify Premium: $11.99 to $12.99 per month
• Spotify Duo: $16.99 to $18.99 per month
• Spotify Family: $19.99 to $21.99 per month
• Spotify Student: $5.99 to $6.99 per month

This represents the third price increase in as many years for the platform. Spotify raised rates in June 2024, bringing Premium from $10.99 to $11.99, and before that in 2023, when the service jumped from its original $9.99 price point to $10.99.

According to Spotify, the latest adjustment is intended to help the company continue delivering quality service and new features. However, the frequency of increases has not gone unnoticed by subscribers, many of whom have voiced frustration on social media as the new rates take effect.

Apple Music’s Social Media Response

Taking advantage of the timing, Apple Music posted a brief but pointed message on social media: “BTW, we’re still the same price.” The post clearly targets Spotify subscribers who may be reconsidering their streaming service choice in light of rising costs.

It’s an unusually direct move for Apple, which typically avoids calling out competitors by name. The tone is lighthearted but unmistakably competitive, capitalizing on a moment when value-conscious users are evaluating their options.

How Apple Music Pricing Compares

Apple Music launched in 2015 at $9.99 per month for individual subscribers. The service implemented its first and only price adjustment in October 2022, raising the individual plan to $10.99. Since then, pricing has remained unchanged.

Current Apple Music subscription rates in the United States are:

• Apple Music Individual: $10.99 per month
• Apple Music Family: $16.99 per month
• Apple Music Student: $5.99 per month

This means Apple Music now costs $2 less per month than Spotify Premium for individual users. The gap widens further for families, with Apple Music coming in at $5 less per month than Spotify’s Family plan.

Apple is also currently offering a three-month free trial for new subscribers, available through late February 2026. Additionally, Apple Music is included in Apple One bundle plans, which combine multiple Apple services such as Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, iCloud storage, and in higher tiers, Apple News+ and Apple Fitness+.

What This Means for Streaming Subscribers

For anyone weighing their streaming music options, the pricing landscape has shifted noticeably. While both services offer extensive music catalogs, personalized playlists, and high-quality streaming, cost is becoming a more prominent factor as Spotify continues to raise rates while Apple Music holds steady.

Spotify remains popular for its discovery algorithms, podcast integration, and cross-platform availability on a wide range of devices. Apple Music, meanwhile, integrates deeply with the Apple ecosystem, supports lossless and spatial audio at no additional cost, and now offers a clear price advantage.

Switching services has become relatively straightforward, with both platforms and third-party tools making it easier to transfer playlists and libraries. For users frustrated by frequent price hikes, this may be an opportune moment to explore alternatives.

FAQ

Q: Can I transfer my playlists from Spotify to Apple Music?

A: Yes, several third-party services and apps can help you migrate playlists between streaming platforms. Some options are free, while others may charge a small fee for bulk transfers.

Q: Does Apple Music work on Android devices?

A: Yes, Apple Music has a dedicated Android app available on the Google Play Store, and it includes most of the same features as the iOS version.

Q: Is Apple Music’s audio quality better than Spotify?

A: Apple Music offers lossless audio and spatial audio with Dolby Atmos at no extra charge. Spotify offers high-quality streaming but does not currently provide a lossless tier.

Q: How long is Apple Music’s current free trial?

A: Apple Music is offering a three-month free trial for new subscribers, reportedly available through late February 2026.

First and Geek Verdict

Apple Music’s social media jab at Spotify is as much about marketing as it is about genuine pricing stability. Still, the message resonates because it reflects a real and growing gap in value. With Spotify raising prices three times in three years and Apple Music holding firm since 2022, the cost difference is now substantial, especially for families. If you’re already invested in Apple’s ecosystem or simply looking to save a few dollars each month without sacrificing audio quality, this might be worth considering. Both services have their strengths, but right now, Apple Music has the pricing edge and isn’t shy about letting people know.