BREAKING NEWS: Apple Shocks Nigerians with 30% Apple Music Subscription Hike Effective June 22, 2025

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s digital music landscape, Apple has quietly announced a 30% increase in its Apple Music subscription fee, raising the monthly cost for individual users from ₦1,000 to ₦1,300.

The change, which takes effect on June 22, 2025, comes at a time when many Nigerians are already grappling with soaring inflation and a depreciating Naira.

The news broke through in-app notifications and email alerts sent to subscribers earlier this week, with many users initially mistaking the message for a scam—until they checked their Apple ID subscriptions and saw the dreaded truth: Apple is indeed hiking prices.

This marks the second increase in less than three years. The last time Apple adjusted its Apple Music pricing in Nigeria was in November 2022, when the monthly cost crept from ₦900 to ₦1,000. But unlike that modest 10% jump, this new change is bolder—and, some say, brutal.

“I thought my eyes were deceiving me,” said Femi, a Lagos-based music lover and long-time Apple Music subscriber. “₦1,300 may not sound like much to someone earning in dollars, but for those of us here, it feels like a slap. Every Kobo counts now.”

Industry experts believe the increase is driven largely by Nigeria’s economic situation, particularly the sharp drop in the value of the Naira against the U.S. dollar. Apple, like many other global tech firms, relies on exchange rates to set regional pricing. With the Naira’s continued freefall, such upward adjustments may become the new norm.

But there’s more to it than just economics. Observers say Apple is also realigning its African pricing strategy to match regional competitors. Spotify and YouTube Music, for instance, both currently charge ₦1,300/month for individual plans in Nigeria. With this move, Apple has now leveled the playing field—and maybe even sweetened the deal for users already immersed in its ecosystem.

Still, the timing couldn’t be worse. Nigerians are facing increasing utility bills, rising food prices, and fuel costs that make even the most basic outings a budgeting exercise. “When you start cutting out entertainment because of inflation, that’s when you know things are bad,” one Twitter user wrote, echoing the frustration of thousands.

Apple has assured users that they can cancel their subscription at any time, but the deadline to avoid being charged the new rate is tight: you must cancel at least 24 hours before your next billing cycle, or risk automatic renewal at ₦1,300/month.

As Nigerians digest the news, social media has lit up with complaints, memes, and hot takes. “At this rate, I’ll go back to burning CDs,” one user joked.

Whether this is a one-off hike or a sign of more increases to come remains unclear. But one thing is certain—Apple Music just hit a sour note in Nigeria.