Have you been loving the Apple Music experience on your iPhone or iPad? Get ready to enjoy the same awesome music playback on your Alexa-powered smart speakers and displays!
By linking these two excellent platforms, you open up a world brimming with over 100 million songs that can be accessed simply through voice commands.
So whether you have an Amazon Echo, Echo Show 10 or even Echo Buds – Apple Music is now available handsfree. Read this simple guide to connect Apple Music and configure Alexa to play your favorite songs and playlists.
Overview of Playing Apple Music via Alexa Devices
As per Statista, over 30% of US households have a smart speaker now. Other Western markets also show strong adoption. With Alexa powering popular Echo devices, smart home gadgets are entering the mainstream.
Music tops the list of smart speaker usage according to an NPR and Edison Research report. People are increasingly relying on voice assistants to play songs without having to tap a phone every few minutes.
And this is where Apple Music integration makes the experience sweeter! Just ask Alexa to start playing music and your best-in-class Apple Music catalog is streamed lossless quality. Cool right?
In this guide, I will cover:
- Key details about the Apple Music streaming service
- Amazon Alexa devices and capabilities overview
- Step-by-step instructions to link Apple Music account with Alexa
- Setup options via mobile app and browser
- Usage tips after successful linking
- Fixing common issues faced
- FAQs on using Apple Music on Alexa devices
So let‘s get started, buddy!
Apple Music Features and Capabilities
Apple Music kickstarted operations in 2015. Since then it has grown rapidly crossing the 100 million song catalog size as well as 90 million paid subscribers as of 2022 according to Counterpoint Research.
Let us look at some of the most popular features:
Huge Catalog
With over 100 million tracks, Apple Music offers one of the largest song libraries covering top global and regional hits along with more niche indie labels:
| Year | Number of Songs |
|---|---|
| Launch Year 2015 | 30 million |
| 2020 | Over 70 million |
| 2022 | 100 million |
The catalog keeps expanding through partnerships with creators and leveraging Apple‘s scale.
Audio Quality
While Spotify tops out at 320 kbps streams, Apple Music goes further by offering lossless quality music as well:
| Stream Quality | Bitrate |
|---|---|
| Standard | 256 kbps AAC |
| Lossless | 16-bit/44.1 kHz 24-bit/48 kHz |
| Hi-Res Lossless | 24-bit/192 kHz |
So audiophiles can enjoy CD-level lossless streams while those with more modest gear still get high 256 kbps bitrate songs.
Market Share
Thanks to the iPhone ecosystem and audio quality focus, Apple Music has quickly risen through the charts as per Counterpoint Research:
| Year | % Market Share |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 19% market share |
| 2021 | 15% market share |
| 2022 | Over 25% market share |
Personalization
The recommendation algorithm serves songs, artists, playlists and radio stations I have loved through the years. The more you use it, the better it gets!
And with Alexa‘s help, I now have handsfree access to all of these Apple Music features. Let‘s look at Alexa‘s music playback environment next.
Overview of Amazon Alexa Music Features
Alexa has grown leaps and bounds since the first Echo speaker launched in 2014. Last year alone, over 100 million Alexa-enabled devices were shipped globally as per Canalys!
Key aspects that make Alexa awesome for music:
Alexa Devices for Music
Choose from Echo Dot, Studio, portable speakers etc with rich sound. Newer models even have Dolby Atmos 3D audio capabilities:
| Device Type | Use Case | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Smart speakers | Home audio | Echo Studio, Echo Show 15 |
| Earbuds | Personal listening | Echo Buds |
| Smart displays | Visual lyrics & more | Echo Show 10 |
| Streaming devices | For TV entertainment | Fire TV Cube |
Multi-Room Audio
You can easily group compatible Echo and Alexa built-in devices for multi-room, whole-home audio. Start playlist syncing to keep the songs flowing!
Voice Control
At its core, Alexa allows handsfree music request and playback. Just ask for a song, increase volume, skip tracks etc while cooking in the kitchen!
Deep Music Service Integration
Major music streaming platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music are tightly coupled with Alexa for discovery and playback.
Default Services
Choose a music provider like Apple Music as your default ensuring access to full catalogs via voice commands, without clarifying which service to use each time.
Pretty powerful right? Now let‘s link it up with Apple Music using simple steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Apple Music with Alexa
Based on whether you prefer mobile apps or web browsers, here are the methods to associate your Apple Music account with Alexa:
Via Alexa Mobile App
By using the official app for iOS and Android, you get the most unified experience for device setup and music service linking.
Step 1: Get Alexa App
Download Alexa app on your iPhone or Android phone. Create an Amazon account if you don‘t have one.
Step 2: Connect Echo Device (Optional)
If setting up new Echo speaker, go to Devices → Add Device. Follow prompts to get it on Wi-Fi.
If already done, move ahead!
Step 3: Navigate to Settings
In bottom toolbar, open the ☰ More menu. Tap on the Settings option.
Alternatively scroll up on app Home screen and tap on Settings icon.
Step 4: Choose Music & Podcasts
Scroll down to the “Alexa Preferences” segment. Tap on the Music & Podcasts option.
Step 5: Link Apple Music
Next screen shows connected music services. Tap “Link New Service” and sign in to Apple Music from options.
Step 6: Enable Skill
It will now open an Enable page for permissioning. Tap "Enable To Use" button.
Step 7: Sign in to Apple Music
Enter your Apple login email/password on next screen. Use Touch ID if you are on an iOS device.
Step 8: Try Asking Alexa
With account linkage done, try simple voice commands like “Alexa, play some classical music from my Apple Music”.
And enjoy handsfree Apple Music now!
Step 9: Make Apple Music Default
For avoiding service clarification each time, set Apple Music as defaul service in Alexa app:
🎵 Music Services > Default Services > Apple Music
Via Alexa Website
Don‘t have the app handy? Or want browser based linkage? Here you go:
Note – The Alexa web interface does not support adding new music service connections like Apple Music. It can only adjust defaults for existing linked providers.
So ensure you have already connected Apple Music properly using the mobile application beforehand.
Step 1: Open alexa.amazon.com
Launch alexa.amazon.com website on desktop or mobile browser. Sign in if needed.
Step 2: Click Settings
Expand left side navigation menu. Click on the Settings link to open it up.
Step 3: Choose Music & Media
Under Settings section, scroll down and click on Music & Media option.
Step 4: Select Apple Music
This screen shows connected music services. Click Apple Music.
Step 5: Make Default
Toggle to make Apple Music the default music skill. Hit Save Changes.
Now your Alexa devices will use the Apple Music catalog by default for playback!
Enjoy Apple Music Handsfree
Start requesting songs, artists or even customized radio stations you love from Apple Music through Alexa.
No need to keep picking up your phone to switch playlists or albums!
Here are some voice commands to try out:
- “Alexa, play Today’s Hits playlist from my Apple Music”
- “Alexa, play some relaxing jazz on Apple Music”
- “Alexa, resume playback on Apple Music”
You also get access to all personalized recommendations and exclusive video content from Apple Music via Alexa devices.
And don‘t forget to utilize Alexa routines for fun automation linking Apple Music to wake up, bedtime, parties and more.
Control Music Playback
While the songs keep flowing from Apple Music‘s catalogs into your Alexa powered Echo Studio or Fire TV Cube, you can keep issuing voice media controls for:
- Volume up/down
- Pausing playback
- Skipping to next/previous tracks
- Liking/disliking songs
- Asking about current song details
- Adding song to My Music playlist
- Shuffling playlists
So once you have started an Apple Music session handsfree, controlling the actual playback remains easy and completely voice-driven!
Audio Quality Details
One concern while linking a high fidelity music streaming service would be potential audio quality loss in transmission.
Let‘s analyze how Apple Music fares with Alexa:
- On Echo Studio – gets true lossless music playback thanks to support for lossless streaming codec
- Other Echo speakers – limited to 256 kbps bitrate AAC streams
- Can be piped out via 3.5 mm / Bluetooth to external amps and speakers too!
For best sound with depth and power, I recommend an Echo Studio to experience Apple Music lossless audio. It fills rooms with immersive 360° sound powered by Dolby Atmos technology.
Of course, pairing something like an Echo Sub would take bass performance to another level!
But rest assured 256 kbps AAC quality is still pretty crisp and enjoyable. So all Echo devices do a great job streaming Apple Music.
Fix Common Issues Faced
In some cases, you may face hiccups when linking Apple Music to Alexa or playing songs. Here are 5 likely issues and troubleshooting tips:
1. Alexa not finding Apple Music songs
- Check song/artist/album name for spelling issues
- Confirm song availability in your Apple Music region
- Refresh linkage in Alexa app Settings
- Re-link Apple Music account
2. Linking failures
- Update Alexa app and Apple Music app
- Retry account sign-in requests
- Toggle permissions off/on for music access
- Reinstall apps if needed
3. Can‘t make Apple Music default
- Open Alexa app Settings > Music & Podcasts > Default Services
- Toggle Apple Music as default on/off
- Close and re-launch the Alexa application
4. Apple Music stops or loses connection
- Reboot internet router once
- Position Echo device nearer to WiFi router
- Reduce connections from other home devices
- Setup Echo on 5 GHz WiFi instead of 2.4 GHz
5. Audio quality not sounding great
- Play lossless quality tracks only
- Check streaming bitrate in Now Playing screen
- Connect Echo Studio via aux cable to external powered speakers
- Adjust EQ settings based on music genre
Hope these fixes help solve any issues! Now onto some FAQs.
FAQs on Apple Music + Alexa
Let‘s discuss some frequently asked questions on this topic:
🎸 Why won‘t Alexa play my Apple Music songs?
- Confirm Apple Music subscription is current and valid
- Check availability of songs in your country
- Link Apple Music account again
💰Does Alexa require paid subscription?
No. Alexa has no fee itself. But full Apple Music catalogs need active paid membership. Check out Apple Music pricing.
🔊 How to get lossless quality on Alexa?
Use a compatible Echo device like Studio, Sub or connect to external amps via 3.5mm aux / Bluetooth for best sound quality from Apple Music.
🤔 Is Apple Music better than Spotify?
Apple Music beats Spotify for audio quality thanks to lossless streams. Works seamlessly if you have an iPhone. Spotify still excels for shared playlists and some personalization features.
Both are great in their own right!
📱Can I listen to Apple Music without paying?
Unfortunately Apple Music does not have a free listening tier. But new users get a 3 month trial period to explore before deciding to purchase a paid plan.
💡 Who has better voice assistant – Alexa or Google?
For smart home device support and compatibility, Alexa is ahead. Google Assistant has an edge for information lookup queries. Choose based on your usage – both work well!
So in summary…
Here‘s How To Play Apple Music Using Alexa Devices
That covers everything buddy! We went from the basics of Apple Music and Alexa music capabilities to step-by-step account linking instructions to usage, quality and troubleshooting tips.
Here is a quick recap:
- Apple Music offers a 100M+ song catalog spanning global hits to niche indie labels
- Lossless audio support sweetens the deal for audiophiles
- Alexa powers Echo speakers, earbuds, streaming devices for a versatile music experience
- Link Apple Music account seamlessly using the Alexa mobile app
- Handsfree radio, playlists, personalized recommendations via voice
- Control playback without constantly reaching for your phone
- Sit back and enjoy your favorite music – now enhanced by Apple-level quality and Alexa convenience!
I hope this guide helped you successfully link Apple Music with your Echo, Fire TV Cube or other Alexa powered smart devices.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
