Apple Music has launched a new feature that allows Spotify users to easily transfer their playlists and music libraries directly into Apple Music.
This move is designed to simplify switching between streaming services without losing your curated music collections. The feature was announced on Thursday and is currently available in Australia and New Zealand, with a broader rollout expected soon.
How Apple Music’s playlist transfer works
The new tool is integrated into the Apple Music app on iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and the web. It uses SongShift, a trusted third-party service that facilitates music library and playlist transfers between platforms.
Users start the process by going to their device’s Music settings, selecting “Transfer Music from Other Music Services,” and signing into their Spotify account. They can then choose which playlists, songs, or albums to move over.
However, there are some limitations. Only personal playlists created by the user on Spotify can be imported; public or third-party playlists are not supported. If you want to transfer a public playlist, you must first copy its songs into a new personal playlist on Spotify and then import it into Apple Music.
Additionally, some songs may not transfer due to licensing or regional restrictions, and users may need to review unmatched tracks manually.
Why this matters for streaming users
This feature addresses one of the most significant pain points for users switching music services: rebuilding playlists from scratch.
Apple’s integration with SongShift means users no longer need separate apps or complicated workarounds to move their music. It also keeps users’ libraries intact, including liked songs and albums, making the transition smoother and faster.
Apple’s rollout strategy, starting in Australia and New Zealand, suggests careful testing before making it globally available. The company emphasizes that users can still access their music on Spotify after transferring, so there’s no risk of losing content during the switch.
This update marks an apparent effort by Apple Music to attract Spotify users by removing barriers to switching. The seamless playlist transfer tool is a game-changer for listeners who want to explore Apple Music’s ecosystem without losing their personalized music collections.