Honestly, the way Apple handles its "free" stuff is kinda chaotic. You’d think a multi-trillion-dollar company would have a straightforward "click here for free music" button that stays the same, but it doesn’t. If you’ve been hunting for an Apple Music 3 month free trial, you've probably noticed that the standard 90-day offer from a few years ago has mostly vanished from the main website. Now, it's all about who you shop with or what you just bought.
Basically, if you just go to the App Store, they’ll probably only offer you one month. It’s annoying. But the three-month (and even six-month) deals are still very much alive in 2026—they’re just hiding in the "perks" sections of retailers like Best Buy or tucked inside your Target Circle app.
The Reality of the Apple Music 3 Month Free Offer Today
It used to be that anyone with a pulse and an Apple ID could snag three months without trying. That changed around 2022 when Apple tightened the belt. These days, the most reliable way to get that specific 90-day window is through a hardware purchase.
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If you just unboxed a new pair of AirPods, a HomePod, or an iPhone, you’re basically sitting on a golden ticket. Apple gives new owners of "eligible audio devices" a chunky 6-month trial, but for standard iPhones and Macs, the Apple Music 3 month free offer is the default "Welcome" gift. You have exactly 90 days from the moment you first set up your device to claim it. If you miss that window? It's gone. Poof.
Who counts as a "New Subscriber"?
This is where people get tripped up. Most of these deals say "New Subscribers Only." In Apple-speak, that usually means an Apple ID that has never touched a free trial or a paid sub. However, I’ve seen plenty of "qualified returning subscribers" get lucky.
Sometimes, if you haven’t had an active sub for over a year, these promotional links from partners will actually work for you, though they might "shrink" your trial. Instead of three months, you might only get two. It's better than nothing, right?
Where to Find the 3-Month Codes (No Purchase Required)
You don't always have to drop $1,000 on a Titanium phone to get free tunes. Several retailers act as middlemen for Apple's marketing department.
- Best Buy: They are the kings of this. If you have a (free) Best Buy account, you can often "buy" a 3-month Apple Music trial for $0.00. They email you a code. It’s arguably the easiest workaround for people who haven't bought new hardware lately.
- Target Circle: Target’s loyalty program is free to join. Once you’re in, check the "Partners" or "Perks" section in the app. They’ve been consistently offering 2 to 3 months of Apple Music to members.
- Shazam: This one is a classic. Sometimes you just have to Shazam a song, and a banner pops up. Currently, in early 2026, Shazam is pushing a 2-month offer, but they frequently bump it back up to 3 months during the holidays or summer.
Why Your Code Might Be Getting Rejected
"This code is only valid for new subscribers." We’ve all seen the dreaded red text. It’s frustrating.
There’s a strict limit on how many "promotion" codes one Apple ID can consume. If you’ve already used a Best Buy code, Apple might block you from using a Target code. They track the "category" of the promotion. You can't just hop from one 3-month trial to the next forever—at least, not on the same account.
Some people try to get around this by creating "burner" Apple IDs. It works, technically. But you lose your library, your carefully tuned "Discovery Station," and all those playlists you spent hours curating. To me, that feels like too much work just to save ten bucks, but hey, I'm not the boss of your wallet.
The Verizon and Carrier Catch
Carriers like Verizon or EE in the UK often advertise "6 months on us." Sounds better than three, right? Well, it is, but it’s usually tied to specific (read: expensive) Unlimited plans.
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With Verizon’s current 2026 lineup, if you’re on the "Unlimited Plus" or "Ultimate" plans, you can add Apple Music as a "perk" for a discounted rate, or sometimes it's baked in. But if you downgrade your plan, that "free" music is the first thing to get cut. Always read the fine print on those carrier "on us" deals.
A Quick Reality Check on "Free Forever" Tools
You’ll see a lot of sketchy ads for "Apple Music Converters" promising you can keep the music forever after your trial ends. Be careful. Most of these require you to sign in with your credentials to a third-party app. That is a massive security risk. Plus, if Apple catches that kind of activity, they can (and will) nuking your entire Apple Account. Not worth it for a few MP3s.
How to Actually Claim Your Time
- Clean the Slate: If you have an active subscription, let it expire first. You can't stack a free trial on top of a paid month.
- Check the Settings: On your iPhone, go to Settings. Often, there’s a little "Service Specials" or "Apple Music Offer" banner right under your name.
- The Retailer Route: If the Settings app is empty, go to the Best Buy website. Search "Apple Music Free." Add the $0.00 item to your cart and check out.
- Redeem Fast: Codes usually expire. If you get a code from a receipt or an email, use it within 30 days.
If you're currently paying for Apple Music and want to save some cash, you might want to look into the Apple One bundle instead. It doesn't give you three months for free, but if you're already paying for iCloud storage and Apple TV+, the music basically becomes a "free" add-on because the bundle price is lower than the individual parts.
What to Do Right Now
If you want the Apple Music 3 month free deal today, start by checking your Target Circle or Best Buy account. These are the most consistent sources that don't require you to buy a new device. Once you redeem the code, immediately go into your Apple ID settings and "Cancel Subscription." Don't worry—you still get to use the full three months, but this prevents you from getting hit with a $10.99 charge the second the trial ends. It’s the smartest way to enjoy the music without the "subscription amnesia" tax.