You’re probably here because you’re tired of the "Try 1 Month Free" banner that follows you around every time you open the Music app. It’s annoying. We all know that thirty days isn't nearly enough time to actually rebuild your library, find your favorite curators, or get the algorithm to stop recommending that one song you accidentally played once.
But here is the thing: Apple is actually surprisingly generous with Apple Music 6 months trials. They just don't make it the default option.
If you play your cards right, you can snag half a year of streaming without spending a dime. Honestly, most people just click the first button they see and leave five months of free music on the table. Don't be that person. Whether you just bought a new pair of headphones or you’re switching mobile carriers, there is almost certainly a way to get that extended trial.
The Hardware Loophole: Get Apple Music 6 Months with a New Device
The most consistent way to grab a six-month window is through hardware. Apple uses this as a "thank you" for buying into their ecosystem, but it’s specifically tied to audio gear.
If you’ve picked up a pair of AirPods (2nd or 3rd Gen), AirPods Pro, or the massive AirPods Max recently, you’re likely sitting on a golden ticket. It’s not just the earbuds, though. Powerbeats, Beats Solo Pro, Beats Fit Pro, and even the HomePod mini qualify.
How to actually claim it
You’d think it would be automatic, but you usually have to jump through a few hoops.
🔗 Read more: The Singularity Is Near: Why Ray Kurzweil’s Predictions Still Mess With Our Heads
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad is running the latest iOS. This is key.
- Pair your new eligible audio device.
- Open the Apple Music app.
- If the offer doesn't pop up immediately, head to the Listen Now (or Home) tab.
Pro tip: You only have 90 days after first pairing your device to redeem this. If you wait four months to check, the offer will have vanished into the digital ether.
Carrier Deals: The "Hidden" Six Months
Not everyone wants to buy $250 headphones just for a free trial. I get it. This is where your mobile provider comes in. Carriers like Verizon and EE (in the UK) have long-standing partnerships where they’ll bake Apple Music 6 months into your plan.
On Verizon, for example, certain Unlimited plans—specifically older ones like 5G Play More or Get More—actually included Apple Music as a permanent perk. Even on the newer "myPlan" tiers, they often run "6 months on us" promotions as an add-on.
Over in the UK, EE has been the king of this. You text "MUSIC" to 150, and if you’re eligible, they send you a link that bypasses the standard Apple trial limits. It’s honestly one of the smoothest ways to get it if you’re already paying for a monthly SIM.
The PlayStation 5 Surprise
This one always catches people off guard. Did you know your gaming console is a music machine? Sony and Apple have a weirdly close relationship when it comes to services. For a long time, PS5 owners could claim an extended trial simply by downloading the Apple Music app on their console.
💡 You might also like: Apple Lightning Cable to USB C: Why It Is Still Kicking and Which One You Actually Need
The current terms usually offer up to 6 months for new subscribers, though sometimes they drop it to 3 or 5 months depending on the season. If you have a PS5 and haven't checked the "Media" tab lately, you might be leaving a massive trial unclaimed. Just sign in with your Apple ID on the console, and it should prompt the offer.
Why the "Returning Subscriber" Issue Matters
Here is the cold, hard truth: Apple is strict about who counts as a "new" subscriber.
If you’ve had a subscription in the last 12 months, many of these 6-month codes won't work. You’ll click the link, it’ll spin for a second, and then it will tell you "This offer is only for new subscribers." It’s frustrating.
However, if it's been over a year since you last paid for the service, Apple often classifies you as a "qualified returning subscriber." In these cases, you might not get the full six months, but you can often snag 2 or 3 months for free.
Does the "New Apple ID" trick work?
Kinda. You can create a new Apple ID, but then your playlists are gone. Your "Replay" stats are gone. To me, that’s more work than it’s worth. If you really want to save the $10.99 a month, it’s a valid path, but most people find it too clunky to manage two different accounts just for a few months of free tunes.
📖 Related: iPhone 16 Pro Natural Titanium: What the Reviewers Missed About This Finish
Best Buy and the "Digital Purchase" Hack
Believe it or not, Best Buy is one of the best places to find these trials. They often list "Apple Music Free for 4 or 6 months" as a $0.00 digital item on their website.
You "buy" it for zero dollars, and they email you a redemption code. Sometimes you don't even need to buy a product to get it. Other times, it’s bundled with something small like a charging cable. It’s a weirdly effective workaround that skips the official Apple Store gates.
What to Do Before Your 6 Months Ends
Don't let the 180 days pass without a plan. Apple will automatically charge your card the moment the trial ends.
If you’re a student, make sure you verify your status through UNiDAYS. The student plan is usually half-price (around $5.99/mo) and often includes Apple TV+ for free. It’s the best value in streaming, hands down.
If you’re a family, the $16.99/mo Family Plan covers up to six people. If you split that cost even two or three ways, it’s cheaper than a couple of cups of coffee.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your eligibility: Open the Apple Music app and look for the "6 Months Free" banner in the Home tab. If it’s not there, you aren't currently eligible through Apple directly.
- Check your carrier app: Log into My Verizon, My EE, or your respective provider's portal. Look under "Add-ons" or "Benefits."
- Verify your hardware: If you have AirPods or Beats that are less than 90 days old, pair them now and check the Music app immediately.
- Set a calendar reminder: Put a notification on your phone for 5 months and 28 days from today. Apple doesn't send "your trial is ending" warnings as often as you'd like.
The reality is that music streaming is a commodity now. There's no reason to pay full price if you haven't exhausted these promotional avenues yet. Start with the hardware pairing, move to the carrier perks, and if all else fails, check the "free" listings on retail sites like Best Buy.