You've probably seen the ads. A bright pink logo, a promise of "millions of songs," and that tempting 1 month free apple music offer staring you in the face. It seems like a no-brainer. You click, you listen, you cancel before the bill hits. Simple, right?
Well, it’s actually a bit more complicated than just hitting a "try now" button. Most people think there is only one way to get that free month. They think if they’ve already used a trial once, they’re locked out forever. Honestly? They’re wrong.
In the fast-moving world of 2026, the streaming wars have made Apple a lot more generous than they used to be. While the standard trial is officially a month, there are backdoors and partner deals that can stretch that time or even let you "reset" your eligibility if you play your cards right.
The basic 1 month free apple music deal (and why it’s the floor)
Let's start with the basics. If you go to the Apple Music website right now, they’ll offer you one month. This is the standard "new subscriber" offer. It replaced the old three-month trial years ago, mostly because Apple realized they didn't need to give away that much value to hook people.
To get it, you just need an Apple ID and a payment method. Yes, they’ll ask for a credit card or a PayPal account upfront. No, they won’t charge you until day 31.
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But here is the kicker: that one month is just the starting point.
How to get more than just 30 days
If you're looking for 1 month free apple music, you should probably be looking for two or three instead. Several retailers and apps are currently running "extended" versions of this trial.
- Shazam: This is the big one. Even in 2026, Shazam remains the "secret" entrance. Because Apple owns Shazam, they frequently offer 2-month or even 3-month trials through the app. Sometimes it's for new users, but occasionally, "qualified returning subscribers" get a month for free just for scanning a song.
- Best Buy: They are still doing that weird thing where you "buy" a free trial. You go to their website, search for Apple Music, add the "$0.00" item to your cart, and check out. They’ll email you a code. Usually, it’s for 3 months, but if you’ve had the service before, it often defaults back to a 1 month free apple music credit.
- Target Circle: If you’re a Target shopper, check your Circle rewards. They’ve been known to tuck a 2-month trial in there.
The reality is that Apple uses these partners to find people who haven't quite committed yet. If you only take the offer from the main Apple Music app, you're leaving free time on the table.
The "Returning User" loophole
This is what most people get wrong. They think if they’ve ever paid for Apple Music, they can never get a freebie again.
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That’s not strictly true.
Apple frequently sends out "We Miss You" emails. These aren't just spam. Often, they contain a link for—you guessed it—1 month free apple music to lure you back. These offers usually trigger if you’ve been away from the service for at least six to twelve months.
Also, if you buy a new pair of AirPods or a HomePod, you often qualify for a 6-month trial. Even if you’ve had a trial three years ago, a new hardware purchase usually overrides your "returning user" status. It’s like a fresh start for your Apple ID.
Is Apple One a better deal?
You might see an offer for a free month of Apple One. This is Apple’s bundle that includes Music, TV+, Arcade, and iCloud storage.
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If you just want the music, it's fine. But be careful. If you take the Apple One trial, it might "eat" your ability to take a standalone Apple Music trial later. If you're purely looking to maximize free days, start with the specific music-only trials first, then move to the bundle trial.
What happens on day 31?
Let’s talk about the "gotcha." Every single 1 month free apple music offer is an auto-renewing contract. The second you sign up, you are agreeing to pay $10.99 (or whatever the current individual rate is) the moment the clock strikes midnight on your 30th day.
The smart move? Cancel immediately.
In the past, if you canceled an Apple trial, they’d cut you off that second. Now, in 2026, Apple usually lets you keep the remaining days even if you cancel the renewal right after signing up. To be safe, wait about 24 hours after signing up, then go into your Settings > Apple ID > Subscriptions and hit cancel. You get your 30 days of ad-free Lossless audio without the risk of an accidental charge.
Quick checklist for redeeming your month:
- Check your hardware: Did you buy a Mac or iPhone recently? You likely have 3 to 6 months waiting in the Settings app.
- Scan with Shazam: It’s the most consistent way to get more than the standard 30 days.
- Use a real payment method: Prepaid cards often get rejected by Apple's verification system.
- Set a reminder: Even though you can cancel early, set a calendar alert for day 28. Technology glitches happen.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to start your 1 month free apple music journey right now, don't just go to the App Store.
First, open the Shazam app on your phone and look for a banner in the settings or "My Music" section; this is the most likely spot to find an offer that exceeds 30 days. If nothing is there, head to BestBuy.com and search for "Apple Music Free" to see if their 3-month digital code is currently active for your region. Only if those two fail should you go through the standard Apple Music splash page to claim the basic 30-day offer.