Photo credit: Apple Music
After the projected release in 2022, Apple finally released its Apple Music Classical app earlier this year. Here’s what you should know about the new app and why classical music fans of all levels should check it out.
Apple Music Classical gives Apple Music and Apple One subscribers access to over five million classical music tracks, thousands of albums, and features like composer biographies and deep dives into key works. There is much to love Apple Music Classicwhether you’re a longtime fan or just starting out.
Apple Music Classical has its roots in Primephonic, a classical music streaming service that Apple acquired in 2021. The app leverages Primephonic’s playlists and audio content, robust search capabilities, metadata and more.
“We love music — that’s what we’re about — and classical music is the foundation of music of all genres,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats. “Apple Music Classical is a dedicated app that’s great for both classical music experts and anyone new to classical music.”
“(With) the largest selection of classical music in the world, the very best search and browsing features, the highest quality sound experience with Spatial Audio and thousands of exclusive recordings – we believe this is the best classical music streaming experience available there are.” “
The largest catalog of classical music – with expert insight and recommendations
More than 700 playlists are available to guide listeners through 800 years of classic works – and Apple promises more to come. Beginners can listen expert comment mixed with selected works to introduce important composers, periods, instruments and classical terminology.
Fans can take a behind-the-scenes look at select recordings while leading classical artists provide track-by-track audio commentary. Each week, Apple Music Classical’s hand-picked “Hidden Gems” highlight a selection of lesser-known works, while “Composer Undiscovered” playlists offer a “new perspective” on famous names.
Yes, but why is Apple Music Classical a separate app?
So why a separate app when Apple Music already exists? The app uses a simple interface specifically tailored to interact with classical music, providing an experience for all listeners – from long-time classical music fans to first-time listeners and everyone in between.
Instead of song lyrics, users are provided with detailed information from editorial notes and descriptions. Unlike the regular Apple Music app, Apple Music Classical allows users to search by composer, work, conductor, catalog number and more.
High quality audio and exclusive recordings
Apple Music Classical provides up to 24-bit/192kHz lossless audio throughout the service, allowing audiophiles to enjoy the nuances of each performance. A Spatial Audio catalog adds new albums weekly, remastering legendary recordings and capturing contemporary performances in format.
Apple Music has worked with classical institutions such as the Berlin Philharmonic, Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera, New York Philharmonic, Opéra national de Paris, Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony Orchestra and others, the Vienna Philharmonic collaborated to bring new and exclusive recordings and content to Apple Music Classical listeners.
The service also hosts live performances by some of its partners at Apple Store locations around the world as part of the service Today at Apple Programming that began in March.
Due to the nature of spatial audio and other audio features, Apple Music Classical only supports iOS devices running iOS 15.4 or later. However, an Android version of the app is now also available.
Apple Music Classical is included at no additional cost with an Apple Music or Apple One subscription. Notably, it is not included in the $4.99/month Apple Music Voice plan.