No, Apple Music and iCloud storage are separate services. An Apple Music subscription does not include any iCloud storage. iCloud storage must be purchased separately if needed.
What is Apple Music?
Apple Music is Apple’s music streaming service. For a monthly or annual subscription fee, users can stream over 90 million songs on demand. Apple Music also includes curated playlists, radio stations, and access to exclusive content like new releases and interviews. An Apple Music subscription works across iOS devices, Macs, PC’s, Android devices, and the web.
What is iCloud?
iCloud is Apple’s cloud storage service. It allows users to securely store files such as photos, videos, documents, contacts, calendars, and more in the cloud. iCloud keeps data synced across iOS devices, Macs, and Windows PCs so users always have access to the latest versions of their files. iCloud includes apps like Photos, Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Notes, Reminders, and more that use iCloud to sync data.
Does an Apple Music subscription include iCloud storage?
No, an Apple Music subscription does not include any iCloud storage. Apple Music and iCloud are completely separate services.
An Apple Music subscription provides access to stream music and does not provide any file storage. It does not affect or include your iCloud storage amount in any way.
iCloud storage must be purchased separately if additional space beyond the free 5GB is needed. iCloud storage plans include:
- 50GB for $0.99/month
- 200GB for $2.99/month
- 2TB for $9.99/month
So in summary:
- Apple Music is for music streaming and does not include storage
- iCloud provides file storage and backup for documents, photos, etc.
- An Apple Music subscription does not affect or include iCloud storage
- iCloud storage must be purchased separately from Apple Music
What can you store in iCloud?
iCloud can store many types of files and data including:
- Photos and videos – The iCloud Photos library stores all photos and videos taken on an iPhone or iPad automatically. This keeps a backup that can be accessed from any device.
- Documents – Files like PDFs, presentations, spreadsheets and more can be stored in iCloud Drive and accessed anywhere.
- Contacts – iCloud automatically syncs contacts across devices tied to an iCloud account.
- Calendars – Calendars are synced on all devices with iCloud so any events or changes made show up everywhere.
- Reminders – To do lists and reminders are kept up to date across all devices.
- Notes – iCloud syncs notes from the Notes app.
- Safari tabs and bookmarks – Open webpages and bookmarks stay in sync on iPhones, iPads and Macs.
- Keychain passwords – Saved usernames and passwords are securely stored and autofill on any approved device.
- App data – Some apps use iCloud to sync data and documents across devices.
- Backups – iOS and Mac devices can be backed up to iCloud for redundancy.
So in summary, iCloud stores personal content like photos, documents, contacts, calendars, reminders, and also keeps devices and settings synced across products linked to an iCloud account.
How much iCloud storage is included for free?
All iCloud accounts get 5GB of storage for free. This is shared across iCloud Mail, Photos, Documents, Backups, and any other files stored in iCloud Drive.
The 5GB of free storage allows for:
- Up to 5,000 photos
- Up to 1,000 documents
- Up to 200,000 Contacts
- Up to 200,000 Reminders
- Up to 200 Calendars
- Up to 200 Group Calendars
- Up to 1,000 Bookmarks
- Up to 5 iCloud Mail accounts
- Up to 5 Backups
So the free 5GB space is enough for an average user to utilize basic iCloud functionality. However, users with more photos, documents, or backups will need to purchase additional iCloud storage.
How much iCloud storage can you purchase?
If the free 5GB of storage is not enough, additional iCloud storage can be purchased on a monthly or annual plan. The storage plans available are:
| iCloud Storage Plan | Price per Month | Total Storage |
|---|---|---|
| 50GB | $0.99 | 50GB |
| 200GB | $2.99 | 200GB |
| 2TB | $9.99 | 2TB |
As the table shows, the storage options available are:
- 50GB for $0.99/month
- 200GB for $2.99/month
- 2TB for $9.99/month
These plans are shared between all devices on an iCloud account. So purchasing 200GB would allow 200GB to be shared across an iPhone, iPad, Mac, etc.
How can you purchase more iCloud storage?
Purchasing additional iCloud storage is very simple. There are a couple different ways to upgrade:
- On an iPhone or iPad open the Settings app, tap your Apple ID banner, then tap iCloud > Manage Storage > Buy More Storage. Choose the amount you want and follow the onscreen steps.
- On a Mac open System Preferences > Apple ID > iCloud, then click Manage under the storage used bar and purchase more space.
- At iCloud.com log in and go to Manage Storage > Buy More Storage to choose your plan.
The payment will be charged monthly or yearly to the credit card on your Apple ID account. Family sharing groups can share a storage plan purchased by the group organizer.
How can you see your current iCloud storage usage?
It’s easy to see your current iCloud storage usage from any device connected to your iCloud account:
- iPhone or iPad – In Settings tap your name > iCloud > Manage Storage
- Mac – Click the Apple menu > About this Mac > Storage > Manage
- iCloud.com – Login and click on your profile picture > Manage Storage
This will show a graph or chart of your total used storage vs available storage. It also breaks down usage by app such as Photos, Mail, Documents, etc. This makes it easy to see what is using the most space.
What happens if you run out of iCloud storage space?
If you fill up your available iCloud storage, iOS devices will notify you Storage Almost Full or Storage Full. Some features relying on iCloud will stop working until you free up space or purchase more storage. For example:
- You won’t be able to take new photos or videos if the iCloud Photo Library is full. New photos or videos won’t sync across devices.
- iCloud backups will stop working if you are out of space. You won’t be able to create new backups.
- Documents saved in iCloud Drive may become unavailable if you are out of storage. Any files uploaded will fail.
- iCloud Tabs and bookmarks will stop syncing across devices when storage is full.
- Some third party apps relying on iCloud may start failing if they can’t sync documents or data.
The best options if you run out of space are to purchase more iCloud storage or go through and delete any unused files, photos, or backups to free up space.
Does Apple Music count against iCloud storage?
No, streaming music through Apple Music does not count against your iCloud storage amount. The Apple Music service streams music on demand instead of downloading songs to your device storage. So you can listen to as much Apple Music as you want and it won’t affect iCloud usage or capacity at all.
Any music you own and upload through iTunes Match does count against iCloud storage. But streaming Apple Music content does not.
Can you download Apple Music songs for offline listening?
Yes, Apple Music members can download songs, albums or playlists to their device storage. This allows the songs to be listened to offline when an internet connection isn’t available, such as when flying on a plane. Any songs marked for offline listening are downloaded locally taking up space on the device. But streamed and downloaded Apple Music songs still do not count against iCloud storage limits.
What files from Apple Music use iCloud storage?
The only time music files from Apple Music would ever count against iCloud is if you upload your own personal music library through a feature called iTunes Match. iTunes Match allows you to upload up to 100,000 of your own songs for access across devices. These files uploaded through iTunes Match do count against your iCloud storage limit just like photos or documents would.
But streaming songs or saving Apple Music songs for offline listening does not affect iCloud storage limits.
Can I see how much space Apple Music is using?
You can see how much total storage space is being used by music saved offline or uploaded through iTunes Match:
- On iPhone/iPad – Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This will show a breakdown of storage used per app including Apple Music.
- On Mac – Click the Apple menu > About this Mac > Storage > Manage. The Music section shows space used.
- On iCloud.com – Login and go to account settings. The Media section shows your iTunes Match usage.
This can help give you an idea of how much device storage is used for offline Apple Music content. But it still does not count against your actual iCloud storage usage.
Can I download Apple Music files to save iCloud space?
Since Apple Music does not count against iCloud limits, there is no need to specifically download songs to save iCloud storage space. But you may want to download Apple Music content for offline listening when internet access isn’t available.
To do this on an iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Apple Music app and select a playlist, album or song to download
- Tap the download icon next to the song name (a downward pointing arrow)
- Downloaded songs will now be accessible offline and show the same icon filled in
Just remember offline Apple Music songs are stored locally on your device, not in iCloud storage. So there is no impact on your iCloud usage or capacity.
Should I store Apple Music files on an external storage device?
There is no need to store Apple Music songs on an external device like a USB drive or SD card to avoid using iCloud storage. Since streaming and downloading Apple Music does not impact iCloud limits in any way, there is no storage advantage to keeping your music library on external drives.
It is more convenient to stream Apple Music directly from their servers when online. And downloading songs locally makes them easy to access offline when needed.
Can I upload my music library if I run out of space?
If you’ve purchased songs or have a large personal music library, Apple does offer a way to upload your songs for streaming called iTunes Match. This service costs $24.99/year and lets you upload up to 100,000 songs to iCloud which can then by accessed anywhere.
However, songs uploaded through iTunes Match do count against your total iCloud storage. Uploading large music libraries could potentially use up significant iCloud space quickly. So while it is an option if you need your personal collection available across devices, it may contribute to filling up limited iCloud storage.
Should I use iTunes Match to expand beyond Apple Music?
For most users, Apple Music’s library of over 90 million songs will be sufficient and iTunes Match is not needed. However, if you have a large personal music collection you want to combine with Apple Music, iTunes Match is a good option.
Advantages of adding iTunes Match:
- Combines your personal library with Apple’s catalog
- Uploaded songs can be streamed or downloaded for offline use
- Library accessible from all devices connected to your Apple ID
Downsides to consider:
- Uploaded songs count against iCloud storage limits
- Annual $24.99 subscription fee for the service
- Upload process can be slow if you have a large music library
In general, Apple Music is sufficient for most people’s needs. But users with large personal media libraries may find value in supplementing it with iTunes Match.
Should I subscribe to Apple Music or iTunes Match?
For most users, an Apple Music subscription is recommended over iTunes Match. Reasons to choose Apple Music include:
- Much bigger music catalog – over 90 million songs compared to your personal collection
- Doesn’t count against iCloud storage limits
- Lower cost – $9.99/month compared to $24.99/year
- More features like curated playlists, radio, music videos, and more
iTunes Match is best for users who already own a large music library they want to access and combine with Apple Music. Even then, Apple Music is recommended for most users unless you need your personal collection available as well.
Summary and Conclusion
To summarize the key points:
- Apple Music is a subscription service for streaming and downloading music.
- iCloud provides cloud storage for files like photos, documents, and backups.
- An Apple Music subscription does not include any iCloud storage space.
- Streamed and downloaded Apple Music songs do not count against iCloud storage limits.
- To expand iCloud storage, monthly subscription plans for 50GB to 2TB must be purchased separately.
- iTunes Match allows uploading your personal music to iCloud but does use storage space.
- For most users, Apple Music is recommended over iTunes Match or uploading large libraries.
So in summary, while Apple Music and iCloud are complementary services, they are completely separate. There is no bundling of storage space with an Apple Music subscription. iCloud storage must be expanded independently if needed based on your usage of photos, documents, backups, and other synced files.