Apple Music Classical: Available today on the App Store

That Apple has an iPhoneApp would release for streaming classical music has been known for a long time. The release was actually supposed to take place in 2022, but it was repeatedly postponed. As of today, Apple Music Classical can finally be downloaded from the iOS App Store. Use, including all available titles and playlists, is included in the Apple Music subscription. This costs €10,99 per month for regular bookings, and only €5,99 for students. The Voice subscription for €4,99 does not entitle you to use the new offer. You can find more details on this below.

Apple Music Classical officially on the App Store starting today

Apple had announced more than two weeks agothat the new classic app should be available from today. Now, after a long wait, it is available really free of charge and with a small download of just 16,6 MB. At least iOS 15.4 or a more recent operating system is required on the iPhone or iPod touch. 

The individual pieces from what Apple calls "the world's largest classical music catalogue" are available in the best possible sound quality - i.e. in Hi-Res Lossless with up to 192 kHz / 24 bit. The individual tabs of the app, the various sorting options, search aids and playlists are designed to enable newcomers to classical music to familiarize themselves with this type of music.

First look at the classical music app on the iPhone

When you launch the Apple Music Classical app, the Listen Now tab already gives you a few suggestions for listening to specific albums or genres. Exclusive content is served up directly, which is accompanied by 3D audio Dolby Atmos can be enjoyed. If you still can't make up your mind, it's best to have a look around in the "Discover" tab first.

In the "Discover" tab there are three sections "Catalog", "Playlists" and "Instruments". In the catalogue, you look around for specific composers, conductors, orchestras, soloists, ensembles, choirs, or for epochs and genres. So if you have heard of this group or person before, you can start here. Playlists have similar choices, but also offers for specific moods, curated playlists, and so on.

The Instruments tab offers a selection of these musical instruments: Piano, Organ, Harpsichord, Cello, Violin, Viola, Gamba, Guitar, Lute, Double Bass, Harp, Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Clarinet, Oboe, Flute, Bassoon, Recorder, Saxophone and percussion/drums. Various voices are also performed: soprano, mezzo-soprano, countertenor, tenor and bass-baritone. Here you can search specifically for certain sounds and pitches.

The "Library" tab in the Apple Music Classical app is very similar to that in Apple's Music app. There are also the categories Albums, Playlists, Tracks and Artists – as well as Recordings, Works and Composers. The last three make more sense here, of course, which is why they're a good addition to the Classics app. In the regular music app, there is instead a "Loaded" item for downloaded tracks.

Apple wants to offer “the ultimate classic experience”.

In the description of the new offer in the iOS App Store the same is referred to as "the ultimate classic experience". This statement is not just in the room, but is substantiated with a few explanatory points. These are as follows:

• Get unlimited access to the world's largest classical music catalog (over 5 million titles), featuring everything from new releases to famous masterpieces. Also, it offers thousands of exclusive albums.
• Search by composer, work, conductor or even catalog number to find specific recordings instantly.
• Listen in the highest sound quality (Hi-Res Lossless with a maximum resolution of 192kHz/24bit) and enjoy thousands of recordings in impressive 3D audio with Dolby Atmos.
• Benefit from complete and accurate metadata so you know exactly what and who you're reflecting.
• Learn by listening with thousands of composer biographies, major work descriptions and more.
• Listen to music via AirPlay on compatible wireless devices.

Classical music cannot be downloaded

That all sounds good, but if you want to play classical music with the new app on the go or in places without Wi-Fi, you should know that none of the tracks, albums or playlists can be downloaded. The "Requirements" part of the app description states: "You must be connected to the internet to listen to music in Apple Music Classical." 

Furthermore, the description of the app states that available content and functions may vary depending on the country or region. The app is also currently not available in China, Japan, Korea, Russia, Taiwan and Turkey. Whether you can use a VPN to get the app working while on vacation or any other trip to one of those countries, I don't know.

What do you think of the new classic offering for the iPhone? Have you already listened? Please leave a comment with your opinion and your experiences!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.