Do you need an Apple Music subscription to use HomePod?
Since the speaker was announced last June at Apple’s annual World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC), details on how the device would actually work have been limited, leaving many wondering if Apple would play difficult with Spotify, Pandora and Deezer and require users have a paid Apple Music subscription to use HomePod.
Now that Apple has announced that HomePod, their highly anticipated wireless speaker with built-in Siri intelligence will be available for customers to order in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia on February 26th, the company has shared more into the workings of the device.
Do you need an Apple Music subscription to use HomePod?
Yes and no. To stream music Apple requires that users have a valid Apple Music subscription, either that be a beginners three month free trial or a full paid membership however; as an option for those not looking to subscribe to the service, music can still be played on HomePod, but is limited to the audio you have purchased yourself in your iTunes library.
Sad news, unfortunately third-party services such as Spotify, Pandora and Deezer will not work with HomePod for now, and it’s unclear if that will change anytime in the future. From Apple’s point of view this is a great way to boost Apple Music memberships and it’s unlikely they’ll want to loose that edge by allowing third-party services.
HomePod: Everything you need to know… https://t.co/KHFXbMdFsA via @TheApplePost.
— Tom Sykes ? (@MrTomSykes) January 23, 2018