No Nonsense, Just Music
One of the things I love most about Apple Music is its singular focus on music. Unlike its competitors who try to be everything to everyone, Apple Music keeps it simple: a vast, well-curated library of music, expertly organized and categorized. No podcasts, no audiobooks, just music. This laser focus might not be for everyone, especially those who crave the variety offered by Spotify. But for me, it’s a breath of fresh air.
The app itself is sleek and intuitive, even if the design feels a bit dated, especially on desktop. I spend most of my time in the Library or Search, where I can easily find what I’m looking for. The Browse section, while helpful for casual exploration, doesn’t quite compete with the algorithm-driven recommendations of Spotify’s “Discover Weekly.” However, Apple Music makes up for it with its human-curated playlists and the legendary “Beats 1” radio, hosted by industry tastemakers like Zane Lowe. Here, you’ll find a carefully-crafted selection of music, interviews with artists, and a touch of old-school radio charm that’s missing from most streaming services.
Apple Ecosystem = Seamless
Look, there’s no denying it: Apple Music is like a well-oiled machine when you’re plugged into the Apple ecosystem. AirPlay lets you effortlessly stream music to your HomePod or Apple TV, no need to fumble with Bluetooth connections or third-party apps. Need to find a song fast and Siri is within earshot? Just ask. It’s that level of seamless integration that makes Apple Music feel truly intuitive for Apple users. However, Android users can still use Apple Music, but you might miss out on some of the perks. For example, AirPlay support is a no-go, and Siri’s integration isn’t quite as tight. Additionally, the visual design of the Apple Music app feels more at home on iOS and Mac. While the Android app is functional, it doesn’t quite capture the same sleek aesthetic.
The Sound Factor: Lossless vs. Spatial
Does lossless audio actually sound better? It depends on your ears and the music you listen to. The difference between lossless and lossy compressed audio can be subtle, and depends on the complexity of the music and the bitrate of the compressed file. For casual listeners, a well-encoded 320kbps MP3 might be indistinguishable from a lossless file. But for audiophiles with high-quality headphones or speakers, lossless audio can offer a richer, more detailed listening experience. This is especially true for intricate genres like classical or jazz, where nuances in the instruments and subtleties in the recording can be lost in compression.
That said, even for discerning listeners, the difference might not always be night and day. Heavily compressed music, especially older recordings, might not benefit much from going lossless. In these cases, you might be better off focusing on finding a well-remastered version of the track. Ultimately, the best way to decide if lossless audio is worth it for you is to try it out and see if you hear a difference. Apple Music offers a free trial, so you can listen to both lossless and compressed versions of your favorite songs and make your own judgment.
The Competition
Let’s be real, Spotify still has the edge in algorithm-based discovery and social features. Their “Discover Weekly” playlists are eerily good at surfacing new music you’ll love, and features like collaborative playlists make it easy to share your taste with friends. Plus, there’s the ever-looming free tier, which while ad-supported, is a godsend for budget-conscious listeners.
However, Spotify’s free tier comes at a cost. You’re limited to shuffled playback on mobile, and the audio quality is capped at a measly 160kbps. If you want to skip songs on demand or listen in higher quality, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription. Additionally, Spotify’s focus on podcasts and audiobooks can make the music discovery experience feel cluttered, especially for those who just want a simple, streamlined music player.
For pure audiophile indulgence, there are services like Tidal that offer high-resolution audio with even higher bitrates and sometimes MQA encoding for even more detail. However, these services often come with smaller music libraries and steeper subscription fees. Apple Music strikes a nice balance between high-quality audio (lossless and spatial options) and a vast, well-curated music library.
The Verdict
Apple Music isn’t the flashiest, trendiest, or the most social streaming service out there. But if you’re looking for a reliable, well-designed platform with a massive catalog of high-quality music, Apple Music delivers. The no-frills approach, coupled with seamless integration for Apple users, makes it an easy choice if you’re already invested in the ecosystem. While audiophiles and avid podcast listeners might prefer more niche services, Apple Music stands as a strong contender for the everyday music lover seeking uncomplicated, high-quality audio.
