14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has started charging Apple Music users from certain countries for the previously free three-month trial of its music streaming service. Thus, users from Australia, Spain and Switzerland must pay less than one dollar to try out the service.
Apple trials have been free in the these countries for some time now, but now the company has started charging Australians, Spaniards and the Swiss 99 cents to try out Apple Music. Users from other countries will have the option to check out Apple Music for free for the first three months, unless Apple starts requesting payments from them too.
Previously, users had to pay only after the three months free trial ended and they decided to keep the service. The iPhone maker offers multiple plans for Apple Music to choose from, including an individual membership plan for $5.99 per month, offering access to the full Apple Music experience.
Apple released a statement on the matter
There’s also a plan for up to six people costing $8.99 per month. It’s also worth mentioning that the memberships are available on a wide range of Apple products, including iPhones, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Mac, and also Android smartphones.
Apple confirmed the move for The Verge and stated that “Pricing and promotions for Apple Music vary from country to country.” Indeed, Apple Music plans are quite different in certain countries; for example, Apple charges users $9.99 for individual membership and $14.99 for family membership, while Apple Music isn’t available in all countries and regions.
Initially, Apple intended to skip planning royalties for trial streams, but that displeased music labels and some pop artists, ultimately forcing Apple to change its mind. It’s worth noting that Apple could bring the new fees to other markets, including the US, UK or Canada. The Cupertino-based company didn’t release a statement in this regard, but it’s quite unlikely that it will. In this particular matter, we’ll just have to wait and see.