In a surprising move, Apple has seemingly pulled the plug on its lowest-cost Apple Music subscription, the Apple Music Voice Plan, which allowed users to access the streaming service for a mere $5 per month, with one major caveat – it could only be controlled through Siri voice commands. This innovative plan catered to those who frequently used Apple Music via HomePods, AirPods, or Apple Watches, relying on the convenience of a voice assistant. However, as of a recent update, the Voice Plan is conspicuously absent from the Apple Music webpage, leaving many users and potential subscribers wondering about the fate of this unique offering.
The Apple Music Voice Plan, which was launched in 2021, was designed to cater to a specific audience – those who preferred voice control to navigate their music experience. The plan was particularly appealing for users who owned HomePods or relied on their AirPods and Apple Watch for their musical escapades. Instead of manually selecting songs or playlists on their devices, users could simply use voice commands to instruct Siri and let her take care of the music selection. It brought a new level of convenience to music streaming for those who embraced voice technology.
However, the Apple Music Voice Plan came with certain limitations. Users on this plan were unable to add songs to their music library, create custom playlists, access the service on non-Apple devices, or indulge in high-quality audio experiences such as lossless or Dolby Atmos audio. These restrictions were in place to keep the plan’s costs down, reflecting its budget-friendly price point. Additionally, the Voice Plan was only available in select markets, including the US, UK, and Canada, limiting its global reach.
As of now, it remains unclear whether current subscribers to the Apple Music Voice Plan will be grandfathered into their existing subscriptions or if Apple has entirely discontinued the offering. To shed light on these questions, Engadget has reached out to Apple for an official statement.
With the disappearance of the Voice Plan, Apple Music’s pricing structure has undergone significant changes. The most affordable standalone option for Apple Music is currently the student plan, which costs $6 per month and includes a bonus – Apple TV+ at no extra cost. For individual subscribers, the price is set at $11 per month, while families can opt for a shared plan priced at $17 per month. Alternatively, Apple enthusiasts can explore Apple One, a subscription bundle that grants access to multiple Apple services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, and iCloud storage, starting at $19.95 per month.
