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).