Apple has officially expanded its playlist import tool to users worldwide, facilitating a seamless transition from other music streaming services to Apple Music. This global rollout, however, excludes China, Myanmar, and Russia, as noted in Apple’s updated support documentation.
Background and Development
The journey of this feature began in February 2025, when Apple initiated testing of the playlist import tool. By May, it was introduced in Australia and New Zealand, marking the first phase of its availability. In August, the tool’s reach extended to additional countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Mexico, and Brazil. Now, with its worldwide deployment, Apple aims to simplify the process for users migrating from platforms like Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube Music.
Functionality and User Experience
The import tool is designed to transfer users’ existing music libraries and playlists into Apple Music. To utilize this feature, users must have an active Apple Music subscription. The process varies slightly depending on the device:
– On iPhone or iPad:
1. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Music.
2. Tap on Transfer Music from Other Music Services.
3. Select the desired music service and sign in.
4. Choose the content to transfer.
5. Tap Add to Library.
– On Android Devices:
1. Open the Apple Music app.
2. Tap the More button, then select Settings.
3. Tap on Transfer Music from Other Music Services.
4. Follow the same steps as above.
– Via Web Browser:
1. Visit [music.apple.com](https://music.apple.com).
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Click on your profile picture and select Transfer Music.
4. Proceed with the transfer steps.
Once initiated, Apple Music attempts to match the transferred songs with its existing catalog. If an exact match isn’t found, the tool will suggest alternative versions for the user to review and select. It’s important to note that only user-created playlists can be transferred; playlists curated by other music services are not eligible for transfer.
Partnership and Technical Integration
Apple has collaborated with SongShift, a third-party service known for its expertise in transferring music libraries between platforms. This partnership ensures a smooth and efficient transfer process, minimizing potential disruptions for users switching to Apple Music.
Limitations and Considerations
While the tool offers a convenient solution for many users, there are certain limitations:
– Geographical Restrictions: The feature is unavailable in China, Myanmar, and Russia. Apple has not provided specific reasons for these exclusions.
– Content Availability: Some songs or albums may not be available on Apple Music due to licensing agreements or regional restrictions. In such cases, users might encounter gaps in their transferred libraries.
– Playlist Eligibility: Only playlists created by users can be transferred. Playlists generated by other music services, such as curated or algorithmically created lists, are not supported.
Implications for the Music Streaming Landscape
The introduction of this import tool signifies Apple’s strategic move to attract users from competing platforms. By addressing one of the primary barriers to switching—losing personalized playlists and libraries—Apple Music positions itself as a more user-friendly alternative. This development could influence user retention and acquisition strategies across the music streaming industry.
User Feedback and Future Prospects
Initial user feedback has been positive, with many appreciating the ease of transferring their music collections. However, some users have reported challenges, such as mismatched songs or missing content. Apple is likely to refine the tool based on user experiences and feedback, potentially expanding its capabilities and addressing current limitations.
Conclusion
Apple Music’s global rollout of the playlist import tool marks a significant enhancement in user experience, offering a streamlined method for individuals to migrate from other streaming services. While certain limitations persist, this feature underscores Apple’s commitment to providing flexible and user-centric solutions in the competitive music streaming market.
