Apple Music launches new app for Xbox consoles

Apple Music for Xbox
(Image credit: Windows Central (screenshot))
  • Apple has launched a new Xbox app for its Apple Music streaming service.
  • The Xbox app brings long-awaited support for the service to Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Series S, with background playback, among other features.

A new Apple Music app has appeared on Xbox consoles, expanding the music-streaming service to Microsoft’s gaming platform. Once a long-standing holdout, Apple Music has quietly appeared on the console’s store with native Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Series S support.

The Apple Music app for Xbox mirrors similar experiences on other game consoles and smart TVs, scaling up the service for the big screen. The app hooks into the music subscription with playback across the complete library, including support for videos, radio, and other signatures of the service. The app, most crucially, supports background playback, allowing users to listen to music while gaming.

Apple Music for Xbox

(Image credit: Windows Central (screenshot))

The new app addresses Apple Music’s absence on Xbox, which previously barred subscribers from accessing the service on the consoles. Despite similar PlayStation and smart TV apps, Xbox owners had to resort to workarounds involving third-party software. Apple Music marks the last major music-streaming service to hit the Xbox store, joining Spotify, Amazon Music, and Pandora.

The Apple Music app can be grabbed via the Xbox store, prompting users to sign in via an Apple ID. While existing users will receive their entire music library on Xbox, Apple also offers a one-month free trial for those new to the service.

Apple Music (Xbox)

Apple Music (Xbox)

Apple Music has finally hit Xbox, bringing the music-streaming service and millions of songs to Microsoft’s consoles. It’s available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S devices, with background listening, videos, and radio support.

Download: Free at Microsoft Store (Xbox)

Matt Brown

Matt Brown was formerly a Windows Central's Senior Editor, Xbox & PC, at Future. Following over seven years of professional consumer technology and gaming coverage, he’s focused on the world of Microsoft's gaming efforts. You can follow him on Twitter @mattjbrown.