THE INS AND OUTS OF APPLE'S STREAMING MUSIC SERVICE: APPLE MUSIC FAQ

WHAT KIND OF PLAYLISTS CAN I CREATE? WILL APPLE MUSIC REPLACE ITUNES? WE HAVE THE ANSWERS, AND MORE.

- LEAH YAMSHON & MACWORLD STAFF

Apple singlehandedly turned the digital music marketplace on its head when it launched the iTunes Store in 2003 (go. macworld.com/is03). Since then, the iTunes Store has evolved into Apple Music (go.macworld.com/ evam), a music streaming service to compete with the likes of Spotify, Tidal, and other services.

Whether you’re new to Apple Music or have been a subscriber since day one, there’s a lot to take in—especially if you’re considering jumping ship from another service. Our guide to everything Apple Music can help set the record straight.

APPLE MUSIC: GETTING STARTED

What the heck is this thing? Apple Music combines subscription-based music streaming with global radio-like programming. It’s an all-you-can-eat service for subscribers: Pay a flat fee, and you unlock all of Apple Music’s extensive 60 million-song library.

The Music app, which is how you use the service, comes pre-installed on all new iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Macs. You can also access Apple Music on the web at music.apple.com (go.macworld.com/muap).

Isn’t Apple Music the same as the iTunes Store? Not at all. The iTunes Store is all about media ownership, functioning as both a virtual record store and an efficient digital library for music that you own personally. On the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, you’ll find an iTunes Store app separate from the Music app.

On the Mac, the iTunes app went away; Apple released new Music, Podcasts, and TV apps. The iTunes Store is now a section of the Music app and you can still buy music there.