Does Apple Charge You to Listen to Your Own Locally Stored Music through iTunes?
Many users are often confused about whether Apple charges for locally stored music through iTunes. Let's clarify this common misconception and provide a detailed explanation.
Understanding the Difference Between Apple Music and iTunes
It is common to confuse songs downloaded from Apple Music with songs downloaded from iTunes. However, there is a significant difference when it comes to usage and cost. Let's break down the distinction:
Apple Music Downloads
Songs downloaded through Apple Music are part of your Apple Music subscription. This means:
You are not individually charged when downloading songs from Apple Music. Your Apple Music subscription gives you access to these songs, but you must continue to pay for the subscription to listen to them.iTunes Downloads
Songs downloaded outside of Apple Music using iTunes have a different pricing model:
These songs are paid for individually when you download them. You do not need a subscription to listen to these songs once they are downloaded to your device.Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Pay to Listen to Music on Your Device?
No, Apple does not charge you to listen to your own locally stored music through iTunes. Once you have downloaded the music, you can listen to it offline or online without any additional fees. However, it is important to note that you do need a valid Apple Music subscription if you wish to stream songs that you have downloaded from iTunes Music Store.
Is iCloud Storage a Costly Option?
While iCloud storage is a valuable feature, it is not associated with additional charges for music that you already own. Using iCloud for backup or syncing music across devices is a benefit, but it does not incur extra costs for the actual music files.
What About iCloud Music Library?
Apple offers an iCloud Music Library service called iTunes Match. This service allows you to store up to 50,000 songs in the cloud and stream them to any device. However, this service is not free and comes with a subscription cost. Always ensure you understand the subscription details before enrolling in this service.
Conclusion
In summary, Apple does not charge you to listen to your own locally stored music through iTunes. The free download and storage of music are included with your Apple Music subscription if you choose to stream your library. If you already have a collection of songs, you can continue to enjoy them without incurring additional costs.
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