Spotify vs. Apple Music: 9 Attributes That Provide Spotify an Advantage
In the continuously changing landscape of music streaming, Spotify and Apple Music stand out as two major contenders. While Apple Music has made notable advancements in recent times—introducing lossless audio, Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, and a specialized classical music application—Spotify maintains its edge in innovation and user experience. Even with Apple’s ecosystem strengths, Spotify boasts numerous distinctive features that Apple Music users can only aspire to.
Here’s a breakdown of nine exceptional Spotify features that distinguish it from Apple Music:
1. Independent App Updates
Spotify’s application is updated separately from operating system upgrades, enabling it to deploy new capabilities and fixes more swiftly. On the other hand, improvements to Apple Music frequently depend on iOS updates, meaning users must wait for significant software launches to witness substantial changes. A standalone Apple Music application would facilitate more responsive development and faster rollout of new features.
2. AI DJ
Spotify’s AI DJ offers a customized music experience that leverages artificial intelligence to build playlists tailored to your listening preferences. It even features voice commentary to lead you through your musical exploration. Although Apple Music has enhanced its personalized recommendations, it does not provide the animated, interactive experience offered by Spotify’s AI DJ.
3. Blend Playlists
The Blend feature is a collaborative playlist that combines your musical tastes with those of a friend or a favored artist. The playlist refreshes daily according to both users’ listening patterns, providing a playful and social method to unearth new tracks. Apple Music currently does not offer a similar option, thus missing out on this captivating, shareable experience.
4. Music and Podcasts in One Application
Spotify merges music and podcasts within a single application, transforming it into a comprehensive hub for audio entertainment. While some may prefer using separate applications, many users value the convenience of having everything accessible in one place. Apple divides this experience between Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, potentially leading to a disjointed experience for users engaging with both content types.
5. Spotify Codes
Spotify Codes are scannable QR-style tags that simplify sharing songs, albums, or playlists with friends in real life. Simply scan a code with your phone’s camera, and you’re immediately directed to the content. Apple Music does not have an equivalent feature, reducing the ease of real-world sharing.
6. Enhanced Social Features
Spotify has strong social functionalities, including public profiles, shared playlists, and a desktop sidebar that displays what friends are currently listening to. These attributes create a sense of community and foster music discovery. Apple Music has some social components, but they are less visible and underused, diminishing their effectiveness.
7. Running Tempo Detection
Spotify once provided a feature that aligned music with your running speed, crafting a dynamic workout soundtrack. Although this capability has been discontinued, it highlighted Spotify’s forward-thinking approach in fitness integration. Apple, with its extensive Apple Watch ecosystem, could potentially revive this idea in a fresh form, but has not yet done so.
8. Cross-Platform Consistency
Spotify ensures a uniform user experience across all platforms, such as iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and web browsers. In contrast, Apple Music delivers the optimal experience on iOS, while its Android and Windows applications often seem secondary. Even within Apple’s ecosystem, the Mac version of Apple Music lacks features available on the iPhone or iPad.
9. Snooze and Hide Features
Spotify’s recent Snooze feature permits users to temporarily conceal songs or artists for 30 days, giving them relief from frequently played tracks. The revamped Hide button also allows users to eliminate songs from playlists across all devices. These functionalities grant listeners heightened control over their experience—something Apple Music currently does not provide.
Conclusion
While Apple Music shines in audio fidelity and integration within the Apple ecosystem, Spotify continues to stand out in user-oriented innovation. Features like AI DJ, Blend playlists, and Spotify Codes enrich the listening experience in ways that Apple Music has not yet achieved.
As Apple gears up to reveal iOS 19 and additional updates, users are optimistic that the company will draw from Spotify’s model and introduce more dynamic, user-friendly features. Until then, Spotify remains the more versatile and socially interactive music streaming platform.
Whether you’re a committed Apple enthusiast or a devoted Spotify user, one truth remains clear: the rivalry between these two titans is pushing the limits of what music streaming can accomplish. And that resonates beautifully with everyone.
