A Music Revolution: My Shift to Apple Music

In an age where music streaming rules our playlists, many users remain tethered to one service for years. After a long stint with Spotify Premium, I made a bold switch to Apple Music in 2021—and four years later, my loyalty is unwavering. Curious about what drove this change and what keeps me from retracing my steps? Let’s dive into my musical journey.

The Catalyst: Embracing Apple’s Ecosystem

My transition to Apple Music wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it stemmed from a significant upgrade in my Apple ecosystem. Already an owner of an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook, I was heavily invested in Apple products. However, everything changed when I got my AirPods in 2021, which included a six-month free trial of Apple Music—perfect timing that sparked my exploration.

The seamless integration of Apple’s devices transformed my listening experience. It wasn’t just about headphones; I rediscovered music through a new lens within Apple’s interconnected ecosystem. This smooth transition played a crucial role in my commitment to Apple Music.

Crunching the Numbers: Price Advantage

Cost considerations added to the allure of switching. At the time, Apple Music offered its service at €10.99 a month, a significantly lower price point than Spotify Premium at €12.14. This pricing gap wasn’t merely about saving a few euros; signing up for Apple One allowed me to share my subscription with family and access other exciting services like Apple TV+ and iCloud storage—all for a fantastic value.

User Experience: A Breath of Fresh Air

The ability to transfer my entire music library was a game-changer. With third-party apps like Songshift, I migrated my favorite albums, playlists, and artists to Apple Music without a hitch. This made the switch feel natural rather than disruptive.

Apple Music’s clean interface, organized into intuitive sections like Home, New Releases, Radio, Library, and Search, made navigation a breeze. Personalized playlists such as Energy and Chill added a fun touch, making discovering new music a delightful adventure.

Navigating Recommendations: A Balanced Approach

While I appreciate Apple Music's recommendations, they don’t quite match the intricacy of Spotify’s algorithm. This led me to adopt a hybrid strategy—using Apple Music for a hands-on library experience and long listening sessions, while relying on Spotify’s free version for fresh releases and curated playlists like Discover Weekly and Release Radar.

The Sound Quality That Keeps Me Engaged

Ultimately, the sound quality of Apple Music further cemented my loyalty. The rich, vibrant audio experience has been a constant reminder of my decision to switch. Overall, my journey with Apple Music has been rewarding, and I have no intention of returning to Spotify. If you’re contemplating a switch, maybe it’s time to explore the Apple Music universe!