Apple Music users in Australia and New Zealand can now breathe a sigh of relief. A new transfer tool simplifies the process of migrating music libraries and playlists from other streaming services. This long-awaited feature allows users to seamlessly transfer their songs, albums, and playlists, potentially reducing the friction of switching from competitors like Spotify.
The tool, detailed on a recently updated Apple support page, is accessible through the Apple Music app on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices, as well as via the Apple Music website. While the transfer process itself seems straightforward, Apple notes that the specific content transferred can vary depending on the originating service. For example, only user-created playlists are transferable; playlists created by the service itself won’t be included.
The implementation uses a simple process: users select ‘Transfer Music from Other Music Services’ within the app’s settings, choose a supported service, enter their login credentials, and then select the items to move. Apple acknowledges that some songs might not have perfect matches in its catalog, and a ‘Music Needs Review’ prompt will appear, allowing users to choose alternative versions. A 30-day window is given to review these unmatched songs before a new transfer can begin.
Interestingly, Apple partnered with SongShift, a popular third-party app already capable of transferring between various music platforms. SongShift itself remains a viable option for those needing transfers between services not yet supported by Apple’s new tool, or for more complex scenarios. This collaboration suggests a commitment from Apple to simplify the music streaming migration process.
However, the current limited availability – Australia and New Zealand only – is a significant drawback. While Apple’s support page doesn’t provide a timeline for a wider rollout, this initial release suggests a promising future for seamless music library transitions for Apple Music users globally. The hope is that this feature will soon be available worldwide, making the switch to Apple Music a more appealing prospect for users of competing platforms.
