Apple Music increases UK subscription prices due to rising licensing costs

Music streaming is getting more expensive again, with Apple introducing higher subscription prices for UK listeners as rising licensing costs push up the monthly cost of its plans.

Skiddle Staff

Date published: 22nd Jul 2026

Music fans using Apple Music will now pay more for their monthly subscription after the streaming service increased its prices across the UK.

The changes take effect immediately and mark Apple Music's first price rise since 2022. The company says the increase reflects higher licensing costs.

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An Individual subscription now costs £11.99 per month, up from £10.99, while the Family plan has increased from £16.99 to £19.99. Similar price changes have also been introduced in Europe and the US, with student memberships in those regions also becoming more expensive.

Apple Music follows Spotify, which raised the cost of its UK Premium Individual plan to £12.99 per month at the end of 2025 after a series of annual price increases.

The latest change comes during a busy year for Apple Music, which recently introduced mandatory AI music labels to help listeners identify tracks created using artificial intelligence. The service has also added playlist transfers, making it easier for users to move their music libraries from other streaming platforms.

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