Following Apple Music‘s latest advertisements at the Super Bowl, you may be wondering if you should sign up — and we’ve got good news for people planning on a switch. Apple Music subscribers can now grab songs or playlists from other music platforms, notably Spotify, and bring them to Apple. The feature was added only a few months ago, and since it’s buried in Apple’s Music app settings, not many people know it exists.
Initially tested in Australia and New Zealand last year, this transfer option has now been rolled out to the US, UK, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany and several other countries. It’s powered by the SongShift service, which will need access to the library that you’re transferring music from. Here’s how it works and my own experience with the service.
How to start transferring your Spotify music
Switching your playlists is simple once you know where to go. Here’s how to get started:
- Update all your apps, especially Apple Music and the other streaming service you use.
- Make sure you’re subscribed to Apple Music, not just using your iTunes library.
- Select Apple’s Music app in your settings.
- Look for the setting that says Transfer Music from Other Music Services and select it.
- Sign in to your preferred music streaming service from Apple’s list.
- View the music options that Apple shows and select available playlists for transfer.
- Select Add to Library.
When SongShift completes the transfer, Apple Music will attempt to whip up a replica playlist or song choice based on its library. It will ask users to double-check certain matches, and not every song may have a replacement version on Apple Music.
While the feature is available, it seems a little buggy right now. When I tried the Transfer Music button on my Apple device, it was grayed out and said, «Once the current transfer is complete, you can start another.» The problem was that I hadn’t started transferring any songs yet.
When I tried on my computer browser, I could transfer from my Tidal account. Still, Spotify said, «Currently busy, try again later,» an equally mysterious message that kept me from trying any Spotify transfers.
While it looks like SongShift has knots to work out, if it works, Spotify users should be able to transfer their playlists and maybe their entire subscriptions to Apple.
Why transfer to Apple Music at all?
This new transfer option could open up several opportunities for listeners. Families using two music services, like Spotify and Apple Music, can now more easily coordinate music.
CNET writer Aaron Pruner, who’s created hundreds of streaming-music playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, mentioned this could solve several of his problems.
«I have an Android that doesn’t work with my HomePod. My wife has an iPhone,» Pruner said. «Making certain playlists accessible and playable on both our phones through one streaming platform would be something we’d probably need.»
He also touched on the limitations of his current setup. «Being on a Spotify family plan is cool until I try to listen to Kendrick Lamar in the car, only to find out it has been transported to my daughter’s bedroom since she is also listening to Spotify at the same time,» Pruner said.
Final notes on moving to Apple Music from Spotify
Apple’s transfer feature makes it easier to ditch Spotify altogether and move to Apple Music, which may be a goal for some customers. Spotify made news last year for letting AI mimic existing artists (something multiple music services have struggled with). Numerous indie artists like King Gizzard and Deerhoof are leaving Spotify over its CEO’s AI military investments.
However, please the results will depend on the overlap between their musical picks on other platforms and what Apple Music already offers. I suggest holding off on canceling any other service until you’ve completed your transfers and checked to see what Apple’s service can replace. You may find some holes in your favorite playlists once the move is complete, so stay patient and see how it works.
For more, check out my review of a smart speaker that’s a real HomePod-killer, as well as the best Apple smart devices for your home.