Apple is rolling out its tool for migrating from other streaming music services to Apple Music, allowing users to retain their library and playlist archives.
In February, a tool was being beta-tested by Apple to help users shift from other streaming services to Apple Music. That tool is now rolling out to users, allowing them to more easily migrate to Apple Music from elsewhere, such as Spotify.
Apple’s support page says that the system is available for users of Apple Music in Australia and New Zealand. This seems like the initial steps of a global rollout, with it expected to spread to other regions soon.
The tool is a collaboration with a service called SongShift, an app that is used to transfer playlists and libraries between a number of other streaming services.
Other third-party services are also available online, such as Playlistor by Raymond Akornor — which AppleInsider staffers have used and like.
A modern migration issue
While a user could shift bought song libraries between services, such as iTunes, in the past, they cannot move songs between streaming services. Instead, the tool has to read data from the third-party service and recreate it on Apple Music.
Apple’s transfer tool explains that users can transfer saved playlists, as well as liked songs and albums, to Apple Music. The support page warns that it’s not necessarily going to be all of the information, as what can be picked up, and track versions, will vary between third-party services.
Users can initiate the transfer from an iPhone, iPad, or Android device, using the settings of Apple Music and selecting “Transfer Music from Other Music Services.” They are then asked to select the music service, to sign into their account, select what to transfer, and then tap Add to Library.
The same process can also be triggered from a browser, by signing into music.apple.com, selecting their profile photo or monogram, then Transfer Music.
In both cases, Apple Music will then try to find matches to selected tracks from within the Apple Music catalog. In cases where an exact match couldn’t be found, it offers users the opportunity to review alternates to add to playlists and libraries instead. Track files will not be copied, regardless of source.
Users have 30 days from the initial transfer to review unmatched music and to select alternates.
Coincidental timing
The tool arrives at a time when Apple is dealing with regulatory courtroom battles and attacks. Some of which directly help Apple Music’s main rival, Spotify.
On May 3, Apple approved an update to the Spotify app to include direct links for purchasing and price information. This was following a court order forcing Apple to abide by an injunction to eliminate its anti-steering rules.
Spotify also attacked Apple in February, insisting that the European Union enforce the Digital Markets Act, and force Apple to comply or face steep penalties.
