Let’s be real for a second. Paying for music feels a little weird when everything is basically everywhere for free, but then you hit a 30-second ad for car insurance in the middle of your workout playlist and suddenly $11 a month doesn't seem so bad.
But why pay if you don't have to?
Getting an apple music 6 month trial used to be as simple as breathing. You bought a pair of AirPods, you got six months. Done. In 2026, the landscape is a bit more of a "choose your own adventure" situation. Apple has tightened the belt on some offers, while third-party partners like Best Buy and mobile carriers have stepped up to fill the gap. If you’re looking to dodge that monthly bill for half a year, you’ve got to know exactly where to click.
The "New Hardware" Loophole
The most reliable way to snag that half-year of tunes is still through the hardware you probably already have or are planning to buy. Apple uses this as a "welcome to the family" gift.
Honestly, it's a smart play. Once you have your entire library synced across your Mac, iPhone, and Watch, you’re way less likely to jump ship to Spotify.
Currently, the apple music 6 month trial is standard for anyone who picks up a new pair of AirPods (Pro, Max, or the standard 4th Gen), HomePod, or select Beats headphones like the Studio Pro or Fit Pro. You basically just pair the device to your iPhone, open the Music app, and a "Listen Now" tab will usually be screaming at you to claim the offer.
One thing people always miss: you only have 90 days from the moment you first pair the device to claim it. Wait until day 91? You’re out of luck. Also, if you’ve already done a trial on that specific Apple ID, the system is usually smart enough to block you.
Does it work for iPhones?
Interestingly, Apple shifted the "new iPhone" trial. For a while, it was six months, then it dropped. As of right now, most new iPhone and Mac purchases come with a 3-month trial. If you want the full six months, you usually need to be looking at the audio gear specifically.
The Retailer Secret: Best Buy and Walmart
You don't actually have to buy anything to get some of these deals. This is the part most people overlook because they think they need a receipt.
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Best Buy has been the MVP of free trials for years. If you head to their website and search for "Apple Music," you’ll often find a digital product listed for $0.00. Sometimes it’s 3 months, sometimes it’s 4, but during promotional windows, they frequently bump it back up to a 6-month offer for new subscribers.
The best part? It’s not just for people who bought a fridge. You "purchase" the free item, they email you a code, and you're good to go.
Walmart+ is another heavy hitter. If you’re already paying for the Walmart membership for the grocery delivery, check your member benefits. They’ve been known to rotate a 5 or 6-month Apple Music perk that sits there unused by most members. It’s basically hidden in the "Limited-time offers" section of the member dashboard.
Carrier Deals (Verizon, EE, and Rogers)
This is where the "free" part gets a little technical. Carriers love to bundle.
In the US, Verizon is the king of this. If you are on an Unlimited plan—specifically the older 5G Get More or the newer "Unlimited Ultimate"—Apple Music isn't just a trial; it’s often included for the life of the plan.
But even if you have a lower-tier plan like 5G Start, Verizon usually offers an apple music 6 month trial as a "Plan Perk." You have to go into the My Verizon app, hit the "Services & Perks" tab, and manually toggle it on.
For the UK folks, EE has a similar deal. Texting "MUSIC" to 150 is the classic move. They give you six months on the house. The cool thing about the EE deal is that it often includes "data-free" streaming, meaning the music doesn't eat into your monthly gigabytes.
The PlayStation 5 Trick
Got a console? You might have free music.
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Sony and Apple have a weirdly close relationship. For a long time, PS5 owners could just download the Apple Music app on their console and get 6 months free just for existing.
They recently tweaked this. In early 2026, the "standard" offer via the PS5 Media tab is closer to 3 months, but they occasionally refresh it to 6 months during the holidays or big game launches. It’s worth checking the "All Apps" section in the PS5 Media home once a month. Even if you don't plan on listening to music while playing God of War, you can redeem it on the console and it works on your phone.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Returning" Users
Here is the honest truth: most 6-month offers are for "New Subscribers Only."
If you’ve paid for Apple Music in the past three years, your Apple ID is flagged as a "Returning User." When you try to redeem a 6-month code, you’ll often get a popup saying "This offer is only for new subscribers," OR—and this is the better outcome—it will give you a "shortened" trial.
I’ve seen 6-month codes turn into 2-month or 3-month trials for returning users. It's not the full jackpot, but it’s still free money.
The "Family" Workaround
If you’ve already used your trial and you’re desperate for another 6 months, the only real way is through Family Sharing.
If a family member (who has never used Apple Music) gets a 6-month trial through a new pair of AirPods, they can start a Family Plan. If they invite you to that "Family," you get access. It’s a bit of a loophole, but it’s perfectly legal within Apple's terms of service.
Why Your Code Isn't Working
It’s frustrating. You find a link, you click it, and... nothing.
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Usually, it’s one of three things:
- Region Locking: You found a UK link but you live in Chicago. Apple is very strict about store regions.
- Payment Method: Even for a free trial, Apple requires a valid payment method on file. No credit card or Apple Pay set up? No trial.
- The "Pending" Bug: Sometimes if you have an active subscription to anything else (like iCloud+ or Apple TV+) that is currently in a "past due" state, it will block new trials.
Managing the "Auto-Renew" Trap
Every single one of these trials—whether from Verizon, Best Buy, or Apple itself—is designed to turn into a paid subscription the second the clock strikes midnight on the last day.
They are betting on you forgetting.
Pro tip: You can usually cancel the subscription immediately after signing up. On an iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Apple Music > Cancel. In most cases, Apple will let you keep the remaining 5 months and 29 days of the trial even after you hit cancel.
Note: Some carrier-based trials (like EE) will cut you off the moment you cancel, so check the fine print in the app before you pull the trigger.
Actionable Steps to Get Your Trial Today
If you want to start listening right now without paying a dime, follow this order of operations:
- Check your hardware: If you bought AirPods or a HomePod in the last 90 days, open the Music app. The offer is likely sitting there waiting.
- The Best Buy "Buy": Go to BestBuy.com, search for "Free Apple Music," and see if the $0.00 digital offer is live. It’s the easiest way for non-hardware buyers.
- The Shazam Shortcut: Download the Shazam app, "shazam" a song, and look for the "Try Free" banner. While often shorter than 6 months, it’s the most frequent "returning user" offer.
- Carrier Audit: Log into your mobile provider’s app (Verizon, EE, Rogers, etc.). Check the "Add-ons" or "Perks" section. You might already be paying for a plan that includes this and just didn't know it.
Once you’re in, make sure to head to the "Home" tab in the Music app and set up your "Discovery Station." It’s actually better than Spotify’s algorithm these days for finding new stuff. Just remember to set a calendar alert for 179 days from now so you don't get hit with that $10.99 charge if you decide the service isn't for you.