Apple Music Withdraws Its $5 Voice Plan Strategy

Apple Music has pulled the plug on its low-cost Voice Plan. Launched in 2021, this offer used to charge users $5 per month and offered a Siri-centric interface. Subscribers could only engage with Apple Music’s catalog by vocalizing their requests for a specific song, album, artist, or genre.

Apple did not herald the termination of the plan with a grand statement. Instead, an update on their support page quietly indicated the news. Starting in November, Apple plans to discontinue the Voice Plan. The update conveyed that Apple's core focus was on enhancing the overall user experience. It promised features like all-immersive Spatial Audio, Apple Music Sing with real-time lyrics, and easy-to-navigate browse and discovery options, among others.

It was discovered that follow-up code references in Apple's iOS 17.1 beta update hinted at the impending termination of this plan. Apple has not provided an official explanation behind this move. However, it appears that the plan's restricted access to features and limited audience appeal could have resulted in its shutdown.

One drawback of the Voice Plan was its inability to add songs to the library or create tailored playlists. Plus, the absence of real-time lyrics may not have sat well with users. Moreover, the Plan only catered to select countries such as the U.S., U.K., Australia, Austria, Canada, Mexico, China, France, Germany, Spain, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, and Taiwan.

Nevertheless, Apple has reassured its users that the Siri-based experience is still accessible with their other Apple Music subscriptions. These include Individual Plans at $11 per month, Student Plans at $6 per month, Family Plans at $17 per month, and the Apple One offer. The built-in 'Type to Siri’ function allows subscribers to play preferred songs, albums, playlists, or radio stations.

With immediate effect, the Voice Plan is no longer visible on Apple's official website. While existing subscribers can continue the service until the end of their current billing period, the auto-renew feature has been deactivated.