How to subscribe to Apple Music’s $4.99/month Voice Plan
Image Credit: Apple
Apple Music just launched their new Voice Plan with the release of iOS 15.2. Subscribing is as easy as asking for music.
Apple Music announced their less expensive voice-only tier back in October. For $4.99 per month, subscribers can access music by asking Siri. While the plan isn’t suitable for those who regularly browse their library and new music via the app, Apple Music Voice Plan is perfect for those who primarily use Apple Music via Siri, whether that’s in the car or using a HomePod. The new Voice Plan is available on any Siri-enabled devices such as HomePod mini, AirPods, CarPlay, iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple TV and Mac.
The Voice Plan comes with the basic Apple Music features such as 90 million songs, tens of thousands of playlists, and hundreds of brand new mood and activity playlists, personalized mixes and genre stations. Beyond the ability to browse the app, notable missing features include spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, lossless audio, offline playback, lyrics and music videos. For these additional features, you’ll need to upgrade to an Individual membership for $9.99 per month.
Apple Music Voice Plan is available to those in the US with the release of iOS 15.2. During the announcement, Apple said the new Plan would be available in the fall in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, the United Kingdom and the United States, however some of these countries seem to still be rolling out, as here in the UK the site still says “Coming soon”.
Once you’ve updated to the latest iPhone operating system, simply say “Hey Siri, start Apple Music Voice” or head to the Apple Music app to begin. Those who request through Siri will receive a one-time, seven-day free preview with no auto-renewal for nonsubscribers. If you enjoy, you can subscribe in the app.
Try commands like “Play the dinner party playlist,” “Play something chill,” or “Play more like this” to get started. Play one of Apple Music’s popular playlists like New Music Daily, Rap Life, Today’s Hits, Today’s Country, A-List Pop and R&B Now. Pro tip: you can also turn on Type to Siri in your settings if you don’t want to talk. Apple Music learns what you like and dislike as you use it. Try phrases like “Hey Siri, play more songs like this”, “Hey Siri, I don’t like this song” and “Hey Siri, play some music I like”.
Apple Music Voice Plan members still get a watered down version of the app, that shows suggestions based on their music preferences, a queue of recently played music, a dedicated section called “Just Ask Siri” with tips and you can even search for music. You can play suggestions with a tap, but searched for music can only be played via Siri.