Apple Music for Business does not exist in 2026. The service, previously a partnership between Apple and PlayNetwork, has been discontinued and is no longer available for new commercial accounts.
Using a personal Apple Music account in a business setting (such as a cafe, retail store, or office) is a violation of U.S. copyright law. Personal subscriptions are legally restricted to non-commercial, private use only. To play music legally in a public space, you must use a licensed commercial provider.
Timeline of Apple Music Availability
If you are looking for this service, you are likely referencing an old partnership. Here is the confirmed history of the product:
- 2019 (Launch): Apple launched “Apple Music for Business” as a specialized service powered by PlayNetwork.
- 2021 (Discontinuation): Following the acquisition of PlayNetwork by Mood Media, the standalone Apple Music for Business offering was shut down for new direct sign-ups.
- 2026 (Current Status): No direct commercial license exists from Apple. Business owners must now use third-party providers that offer playlist import tools to migrate their Apple Music data.
Why You Cannot Use a Personal Music Account in Your Business
Many business owners assume that paying for a personal music subscription covers them. It does not. When you sign up for Apple Music, Spotify, or Pandora, you agree to Terms of Service that specify the content is for “personal, non-commercial use only.”
Public performance—playing music where the public gathers—requires specific licenses from Performance Rights Organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. Without these licenses, your business is liable for copyright infringement fines.
Commercial streaming services bundle these licenses for you. You can learn more about how these rights work in our guide to licensed music for business.
- Legal Note: According to the U.S. Copyright Office, public performance of a sound recording without a license is a violation of federal law.
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Best Alternatives to Apple Music for Business
| Provider | Great For... | Apple Music Feature | Starting Monthly Price | Free Trial Available | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 SoundMachine | Automated Importing | Direct "Import from Apple Music" Tool | $27 | Learn More | |
 Rockbot | Smart Syncing | Syncs with iTunes & Apple Music Libraries | $25 | Learn More |
1. SoundMachine (Best for Direct Integration)
SoundMachine is the closest functional replacement. It offers a feature that allows you to log in with your Apple ID and import your personal playlists directly into their commercial player. This is ideal if you have spent years curating the perfect vibe and don’t want to start over.
- How it works: You link your account, and SoundMachine matches your songs against their commercially licensed catalog.
- Best for: Owners who want to keep curating on their iPhone but play music legally in their store.
2. Rockbot (Best for Smart Automation)
Rockbot is a strong alternative if you want more automation. Rather than just playing your playlist loop, Rockbot can import your Apple Music preferences to build a smart station that evolves over time.
- How it works: It analyzes your liked artists and genres to create a station that matches your brand’s energy.
- Best for: Businesses that want a “set it and forget it” solution.
3. Soundtrack
Formerly known as Spotify for Business, this service offers similar import features but focuses on Spotify integration. However, their catalog is massive and serves as a solid general alternative.
If you are unsure which service fits your budget, you can compare music for business providers side-by-side to see pricing and features.
Keep Your Apple Music Playlists
You spent years picking the best songs for your brand. You don’t have to lose them. You cannot play music from your personal phone, but you can move your songs to a legal business provider. Some services have tools to copy your lists for you. Read our guide on importing Apple Music playlists to find out how it works.
Hardware and Playback Options
When switching from a personal phone to a business system, you also need to consider how the music plays. You should not rely on a dedicated iPhone plugged into an aux cord.
Most modern commercial services run on:
- Sonos Speakers: Many providers integrate directly into the Sonos app.
- Dedicated Music Players: Small boxes that connect to your amplifier.
- Web Browsers: Play directly from a laptop or tablet.
- Apps: Play music from your iPhone or Android device.
For a deep dive on setting up your sound system, read our analysis of streaming music playback hardware.
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Managing Multiple Locations or Zones
If you own a franchise or more than one store, the loss of Apple Music for Business is actually a benefit. Personal music apps are terrible at managing multiple zones. Commercial dashboards allow you to control the volume, schedule, and playlists for five or fifty locations from a single laptop.
You can learn how to centralize your audio control in our guide to managing multiple business locations.
FAQ About Apple Music for Business
Q: Is Apple Music for Business free?
A: No. The service no longer exists. Even when it did, it was a paid commercial subscription. Personal accounts are not free for business use.
Q: Can I use AirPlay to stream to my business speakers?
A: Technically yes, but legally no. Using AirPlay to broadcast a personal subscription in a commercial space is a copyright violation, regardless of the technology used.
Q: What happens if I get caught playing personal Apple Music?
A: You may receive a cease-and-desist letter or a fine from a Performance Rights Organization (PRO). Fines can range from $750 to $30,000 per song played illegally.
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By John Boyle
John is a music for business expert and the founder of MusicforBusinessFinder.com. He focuses on helping small business owners navigate the confusing world of commercial music licensing, improve sales, and protect their businesses. By providing clear, independent analysis of top audio platforms, he ensures owners can make informed choices with confidence. He also loves rooting for the Mariners and his daughter’s soccer team.