Apple Music Android Version: 5 Things You Should Know

He’s finally here. apple music initiated on Android today, it has become the second app ever released by Apple for Android smartphones and tablets. Users have been patiently waiting for Apple Music to come to Android since it was first released, and now here are a few things users should know.

Apple Music is and will be Cupertino’s first purpose-built app available on Android. The first was a once used Android to Apple switcher app and that’s it. Apple Music is completely different. This is a sign that Apple has finally recognized Android as a useful resource that should be used and accessed by millions of users.

There are countless ways to enjoy music on Android. From Google Music to Spotify or Pandora radio, but this might be the best option ever. The Apple Music app for Android is currently listed as a “beta” version, but it has pretty much every feature that makes it popular with iPhone users. Read on for all the details.

In June, Apple announced the popular music service would be coming to Android users and their families, and most of them are available starting today. However, there are a few limitations as the service is currently listed as beta. Most of the popular features have been ported, but a few key iOS and Mac-exclusive features are missing for now, but they will also be available on Android in the near future.

He’s finally here

After months and months of waiting, today finally came the day when Silicon Valley and Apple recognized the giant Android. Millions of users can go to the Google Play Store and Download Apple Music for Android at the moment. Instead of giving it an iOS feel, Apple tried to make it “look and feel like an Android app” and make Android users feel right at home with the Apple service.

As we said above, it is a beta version that is missing a few features. However, it’s a pretty complete and compelling experience that could make users abandon Google Music in favor of Apple’s choice. Google has made great strides lately with its music service, but it’s pretty clear that Apple has the lead when it comes to music, all stemming from the iPod days.

Apple Music for Android Features

Apple Music on Android is pretty complete, and more features are probably coming soon when they remove the “beta” tag and make it official.

For now, Apple Music on Android comes with Beats 1, Connect and custom music recommendations. Essentially everything one could ask for, except for a few key additions. Beats 1 is Apple’s 24/7 live streaming radio streaming service. It features hand-picked music, interviews and radio shows, all handpicked by the Apple Team. It’s something Apple users love, and now Android users can enjoy it too.

Connect allows users to somehow “connect” with their favorite artists for as long as the musician wishes. Allow users to ask questions, see exclusive content, videos, photos and more from their favorite artists.

Playlists were also here, which was to be expected. This allows users to create their favorite playlists for hands-free listening at the gym, driving and more. Playlists are nothing new and we felt this would work.

Then of course “My Music” included. This is the only place where you can buy from an entire collection and find all your favorite music.

Missing Features

Apple states that availability and features will vary by country, and that some missing features will be added soon. Two of these are big aspects of Apple Music that need to be added to the music app if Apple wants it to be successful. That said, there are over 30 million song titles to choose from, and that’s a pretty big selection of music that will surely satisfy almost anyone’s needs.

Music videos and very important family plans are missing for now. This means that Apple Music will only offer audio and users must sign up for individual plans (after the free trial period) rather than the family all-in-one plans used by iPhone and iPad users.

Music Videos will be added at a later date and most likely family plans will be added as well. There’s no word on Apple’s plans to keep the app in beta for a long time, but once these two additions are added, they’ll remove the beta tag and open Apple Music to everyone on Android.

How does it work

The app still relies on an Apple ID for recordings, and existing subscribers will be able to use their account to sync their preset music. This means iTunes and Mac are preferred and according to the Google Play Store listing “Mac or iOS required for family membership registrations and upgrades”. When family plans arrive, you’ll need a Mac to sign up. Requires Android 4.3 or later, optimized for phones but should work on tablets as well.

Apple tweaked the interface to look like Android instead of iOS, and Google has hints of material design interface, but not much. There’s a drop-down hamburger navigation bar at the top left, drop-down menus for genres and the like, and the essential search magnifier at the top right. The registration will be “optimized for Android”, whatever that means at a later date.

There is no mention of support for devices like the Google Chromecast, but it has the standard Android “share” button. More features may come later, once the master set is ported from iOS.

Free Trial and Price

Just like on iOS, Apple offers new users a three-month free trial on Android. Allowing users to sign up and use it free for three months, like Google Play Music, before deciding whether the service is worth keeping and paying a monthly fee.

Individual plans are $9.99 a month, just like Google Music. For the highest price you pay for an album, you’ll get access to over 30 million songs (and ultimately music videos) every month. Expert advice, wide variety and playlists will convince some Google users to switch to Apple Music.

If users pay for the subscription inside the Android app, Google takes the traditional 30% of the in-app purchase like all apps, so this is a win-win for both Apple and Google.

Family Plans which are very popular on iOS of course. For just $14.99 per month, families of up to six people can enjoy everything Apple Music has to offer, but that’s missing from the Android version. Once the beta tag is removed, family plans will likely add in the same month, priced at $14.99. For now, the only options for Android users are individual plans.

As Apple’s first real Android app, it has a handy “feedback” button for users to make suggestions, voice complaints and suggest changes for a better Android experience. Apple is determined to make it a great experience for Android users, not just trying to convince them to buy an iPhone. Give it a try today and see if it’s worth using from the many options available on Android.