When you hear the names Apple Music and iTunes, you might wonder if they’re the same thing. Well, they’re not! These two services by Apple are made for different purposes, and both are very popular. But which one is better for you? That depends on how you like to enjoy your music.
In this blog, we’ll explain everything about Apple Music and iTunes in the simplest way possible. Whether you like to buy songs or just stream music online, this guide will help you understand the difference and make the right choice.
A Quick Look at iTunes
Let’s start with iTunes because it’s been around for a long time. Apple introduced iTunes in 2001, and it became a game-changer for music lovers. Before iTunes, you had to buy entire CDs to listen to music. But with iTunes, you could buy a single song or an album online and store it on your device.
Here are some of the things iTunes allowed you to do:
- Buy and own music: You pay for a song or an album, and it’s yours forever.
- Organize your music: iTunes helps you keep your music library tidy.
- Sync with Apple devices: You can transfer your music to iPods, iPhones, and more.
- Play movies and podcasts: iTunes wasn’t just for music; you could enjoy other content too.
For years, iTunes was the number one place for digital music. But times have changed, and now people are more into streaming than buying. This is where Apple Music comes in.
What is Apple Music?
Apple Music is Apple’s answer to the rise of streaming services like Spotify. Launched in 2015, it’s all about giving you unlimited access to millions of songs without having to buy them.
Think of it like Netflix, but for music. Instead of paying for each song, you pay a monthly fee to listen to anything you want. You can create playlists, download songs for offline listening, and even discover new artists easily.
Some cool things about Apple Music:
- Stream over 100 million songs.
- No ads interrupting your music.
- Offline mode lets you download songs to listen without the internet.
- Personalized playlists made just for you.
- Exclusive content like live radio and artist releases.
Apple Music is designed for people who love exploring new music and want the convenience of having it all in one place.
How Are Apple Music and iTunes Different?
It’s easy to confuse these two, so let’s break it down:
1. Ownership
- iTunes: You own the songs you buy. They stay in your library forever, even if you stop using iTunes.
- Apple Music: You don’t own the songs. You’re renting access to them. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the music.
2. Pricing
- iTunes: Pay-per-song or album (₹15–₹20 per song).
- Apple Music: Monthly subscription fee starting at ₹99 (student) and ₹199 (individual).
3. Internet Connection
- iTunes: Once you buy a song, you can listen offline anytime.
- Apple Music: You need the internet to stream, unless you’ve downloaded the songs while subscribed.
4. Library Size
- iTunes: Limited to what you buy or upload.
- Apple Music: Access to a massive library of millions of songs.
Why Choose iTunes?
You might wonder why iTunes is still a good choice when streaming is so popular. Here are a few reasons:
1. Forever Yours
When you buy a song on iTunes, it’s yours forever. No subscription, no worries. You can listen anytime without needing the internet.
2. High-Quality Audio
Many people say the songs you buy from iTunes have better audio quality compared to streamed versions.
3. Better for Collectors
If you love collecting music and building a personal library, iTunes is perfect. It’s like having your own music store on your device.
Why Choose Apple Music?
On the other hand, Apple Music has its own benefits:
1. Endless Choices
With over 100 million songs, you can explore music from every genre, country, and era. There’s always something new to discover.
2. Affordable for Big Listeners
If you listen to a lot of music, paying a monthly fee is cheaper than buying every song.
3. Features You’ll Love
Apple Music offers curated playlists, live radio, and even behind-the-scenes content from artists.
What About Switching from iTunes to Apple Music?
Good news! If you’ve been using iTunes, switching to Apple Music is super easy. All the songs you bought on iTunes will automatically show up in your Apple Music library. You can even use both services together if you want the best of both worlds.
Pros and Cons of Each
Here’s a quick summary to make things clear:
Apple Music Pros
- Unlimited music for a flat fee.
- Curated playlists and recommendations.
- Download songs for offline listening.
Apple Music Cons
- You don’t own the music.
- Need to pay monthly to keep access.
iTunes Pros
- You own the songs forever.
- No need for the internet after purchase.
- Ideal for collectors.
iTunes Cons
- Paying per song can get expensive.
- Limited to your purchased collection.
How to Decide: Apple Music or iTunes?
The choice depends on how you like to enjoy music:
- If you want to own songs and build a personal collection, go for iTunes.
- If you love exploring new music and listening to a variety of genres, Apple Music is the way to go.
Subscription Plans: What Does Apple Music Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of Apple Music’s plans in India:
- Student Plan: ₹99/month
- Individual Plan: ₹199/month
- Family Plan: ₹299/month (up to 6 users)
- Apple One Bundle: Includes Apple Music, iCloud storage, and more.
Apple Music vs iTunes: Which is Better for Families?
If you have a family that loves music, Apple Music is a fantastic choice. The Family Plan lets up to six people share one subscription, and everyone gets their own music preferences. With iTunes, you’d have to buy songs separately for each person, which can get expensive.
Fun Fact: Can You Use Both?
Yes, you can! Many people use Apple Music for streaming and keep iTunes for their purchased songs. This way, you get the flexibility of streaming plus the security of owning your favorites.
Alternatives to Consider
If you’re still unsure, there are other options like:
- Spotify: Known for its free tier and great playlists.
- Amazon Music: Offers competitive pricing and integration with Prime.
- YouTube Music: Perfect if you enjoy music videos too.
Final Thoughts: Which Should You Pick?
At the end of the day, both Apple Music and iTunes are excellent services. It all depends on your music habits:
- If you’re someone who likes to own music forever, iTunes is the way to go.
- If you want endless access to songs and love exploring, Apple Music is unbeatable.
Whichever you choose, Apple ensures you’ll have a top-notch music experience. Happy listening!
Related Articles:
For further reading, explore these related articles:
- How to Get Verified on Instagram: The Ultimate Guide for Everyone
- Find the Best Guitar Effects Pedals That Suit You Perfectly
For additional resources on music marketing and distribution, visit Deliver My Tune.