Apple Music has always been a streaming service provider whose benefits does not alter irrespective of the opted plan and has remained universal. However, it appears all is about to change! Recent code change spotting in the beta version of Apple Music for Android indicate certain changes that does not seem to adhere to the uniform plans any longer. Unique additions attributing to a threshold for ‘skip limit’ and a ‘Premium Access Required’ feature seem to be making their way.

It is notable that Apple Musicdoes not have any specific Premium category currently. Also, there isn’t any current subscription tier that curbs benefits for a lesser-priced alternative. Even the 30 day free-trial does not limit the user perks associated with the universal plan. If the current indicated changes hold to be true, Apple Music could very well signal entering a terrain familiar to the likes of Spotify. A deviation that could see the streaming giants exploring cheaper options with pre-defined limits.

Apple is unlikely to offer any of these options as a fully ad-supported free tier. The company has consistently pushed back against that model, calling it harmful to artists and something that devalues music. It has also never introduced a permanent free plan, aside from limited promotions. For Apple Music to move toward a free subscription model, it would need to completely reverse a long-standing position it has strongly defended.