In a recent development, Apple appears to have discontinued its most budget-friendly Apple Music subscription, the Apple Music Voice Plan. This unique offering allowed users to access the streaming service for a mere $5 per month, with a catch – it could only be used through Siri voice control. However, as of Wednesday, the plan has mysteriously disappeared from the Apple Music webpage, as initially observed by MacMagazine.
New sign-ups for the Apple Music Voice Plan are no longer possible, as reported by 9to5Mac. The fate of existing subscribers remains uncertain, and it’s unclear why Apple chose to discontinue this offering. Engadget has reached out to Apple for a statement on this matter.
The Apple Music Voice Plan primarily targeted users who enjoy Apple Music through HomePods, AirPods, or Apple Watch, and prefer voice assistant interactions over using the Music app on their devices. However, this convenience came with significant limitations. Subscribers to this plan were unable to add songs to their library, create playlists, use the service on non-Apple devices, or enjoy lossless or Dolby Atmos audio. Furthermore, the Voice Plan, which was introduced in 2021, was only available in select markets, including the US, UK, and Canada.
With the discontinuation of the Apple Music Voice Plan, the most affordable standalone option now is the student plan, priced at $6 per month, which includes complimentary access to Apple TV+. Alternatively, users can choose the $11 per month individual subscription or opt for the $17 family plan to share with relatives. Another avenue is joining Apple One, which starts at $19.95 per month and provides access to multiple Apple services. The elimination of the Voice Plan highlights the dynamic nature of subscription offerings in the streaming industry and leaves existing subscribers awaiting further details from Apple.
