Apple Music and Apple Arcade: Who They Suit

Updated September 2026: in 2021 I followed up my Apple One review with the other two services in the bundle: Apple Music, my favourite for lossless and Dolby Atmos, and Apple Arcade. I have rewritten it into a look at what Apple Music and Arcade offer and who they suit.

After covering iCloud storage and Apple TV+ in the Apple One bundle, I looked at the remaining two. Apple Music was the service I would pick anyway, for lossless audio across the catalogue and Dolby Atmos. Apple Arcade was the one I was less sure about.

What does Apple Music offer?

A large catalogue, including Indian music, with lossless audio at no extra cost.
Dolby Atmos spatial audio on supported tracks.
Apple Music Classical, a separate app for classical listening, included.
Real-time lyrics and a karaoke-style Sing feature on supported devices.

What is Apple Arcade?

A subscription for a catalogue of games on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple TV, with no ads or in-app purchases. Games can be downloaded and played offline, and a family plan shares access with up to five others.

Who is Apple Arcade good for?

Families with children, because games have no ads or purchase prompts, and casual players who want variety without buying games individually. Serious gamers may find the catalogue lighter than console or PC libraries.

Is Apple Music reason enough for Apple One?

Only if you would also use at least one more service, such as iCloud storage or Apple TV+. Otherwise, Apple Music alone is cheaper. Arcade adds value mainly for families with children.

Can you share Apple Music with family?

Yes, through an Apple Music family plan or Apple One Family, with up to six people using Family Sharing. Each person gets their own library and recommendations, which is better than sharing one account.

How do you try before deciding?

Apple usually offers free trials for new subscribers. Use Apple Music and Arcade during the trial, note how often you open each, and cancel anything unused before the trial ends.

Did my 2021 view hold?

Yes for Apple Music, which has only added features since. Arcade remains a family-friendly extra rather than a reason to subscribe on its own.