Spotify has announced price increases for Premium subscribers across South Asia, Europe, Latin America, and more. Here’s what’s changing and how it compares to Apple Music.
Spotify Premium Price Hikes Coming to Multiple Markets Globally
Spotify is once again adjusting its subscription pricing, and this time, users across a wide range of regions are feeling the impact. The company confirmed in an official update that Premium subscribers in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region will soon see monthly price increases.
Although U.S. subscribers are unaffected for now, Spotify Premium already costs more than Apple Music in America, setting the stage for a broader trend of rising streaming costs.
What’s Changing for Spotify Premium?
Spotify will be sending out emails to subscribers over the next month outlining localized price changes. The exact increase varies by country, but early examples, such as a €1/month hike in Europe, suggest a consistent upward trend.
This is the second major price adjustment in a year, with Spotify previously raising U.S. Family Plan rates in 2023. Currently in the U.S., Spotify Premium is $11.99/month, while Apple Music remains at $10.99/month for individuals.
Spotify vs. Apple Music: What Do You Get?
Spotify Premium:
- Ad-free listening
- Access to audiobooks (15 hours/month in some plans)
- Cross-platform playlists and recommendations
- Free tier with ads available
Apple Music:
- High-resolution and lossless audio
- No free ad-supported tier
- Seamless Apple ecosystem integration
Related: How to Import Your Spotify Playlists into Apple Music (iPhone, Android, Web)
Spotify is also expected to launch HiFi audio streaming, a long-teased feature that could narrow the audio quality gap with Apple Music.
Global Rollout and Market Strategy
Spotify’s pricing strategy reflects broader economic pressures and its efforts to balance profitability with subscriber retention. With millions of users in emerging and mature markets alike, these price hikes signal a shift in how Spotify positions its Premium tier, especially as it expands audiobook offerings and prepares for new feature rollouts.
Suggested: Spotify Sees iOS Premium Boost After Apple Opens Web Payments Post Epic Ruling
Final Thoughts
If you’re a Spotify Premium user outside the U.S., expect an email soon detailing the price changes. Whether the value holds up will depend on your usage, especially for those leveraging audiobooks or long-term playlists. With competition heating up from Apple Music and YouTube Music, every cent counts.
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