Apple has expanded its Apple Music transfer tool globally, giving users in nearly every market the ability to migrate from competing services. The feature was first introduced in Australia and New Zealand, later reached the U.S. and select regions, and is now available in almost every country where Apple Music operates. The only exceptions are China Mainland, Myanmar, and Russia, where the tool remains unavailable.
The transfer tool is designed to help subscribers bring their existing music libraries, playlists, and albums into Apple Music without starting from scratch. Supported platforms include Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, Tidal, and YouTube. Apple has also provided a step-by-step support guide that explains how the process works and highlights its limitations, making it easier for new users to understand what to expect.
To access the feature, users can go to Settings > Apps > Music > Transfer Music from Other Music Services on iPhone or iPad. Transfers are powered by SongShift, a third-party service that specializes in playlist migration. SongShift matches songs between catalogs, and when a track cannot be found, it is flagged as Needs Review so users can manually confirm or replace it. Playlists generated directly by services, such as Spotify’s Discover Weekly, cannot be transferred due to licensing and data ownership restrictions.
Apple’s decision to rely on SongShift is significant. The company could have built its own migration system, but using an established partner speeds up global rollout and ensures a tested matching algorithm. For users, the process is quick, and while occasional mismatches can happen, the majority of playlists and albums transfer accurately. This partnership also shows Apple’s willingness to collaborate with third-party developers when it strengthens its ecosystem.
Apple Music is available in over 167 countries, and the global rollout of this tool addresses one of the biggest barriers to adoption. Many users hesitate to leave Spotify or other platforms because of years of curated playlists. By lowering that hurdle, Apple is more competitive in the streaming market, where Spotify still dominates. This also strengthens retention, as users who import their full library are more likely to stay with Apple Music long term.
The timing of this expansion is also noteworthy. Spotify recently announced subscription price increases in several markets, creating an opportunity for Apple to attract subscribers looking for alternatives. At the same time, Apple Music continues to focus on ecosystem features such as SharePlay, real-time lyrics, and tighter integration with iOS and iPadOS. Combined with the new transfer tool, Apple is positioning its service as the more convenient option for users who already own iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
There are still some practical limitations users should keep in mind. Service-generated playlists, like Spotify’s algorithmic mixes, will not transfer, meaning users who rely heavily on those may need to rebuild them manually. Not all songs are available across every regional catalog either, so missing matches are inevitable. However, Apple’s review process makes it easy to spot what didn’t carry over and fix it without losing entire playlists.
For Apple, this global rollout fits into a broader services strategy. The company has been pushing harder into subscriptions, with Apple One bundles and growth in services revenue. Music remains a central pillar of that plan, and by making it easier for users to switch, Apple increases the likelihood of continued growth. In the context of Apple’s larger ecosystem, where Music integrates seamlessly with HomePod, CarPlay, and Apple Watch, the transfer tool makes the service more attractive than ever.
The result is a win for users and for Apple. Users gain the flexibility to move without losing their music history, while Apple gains momentum in a crowded and competitive market. For those who have considered switching to Apple Music but hesitated because of playlists, the global rollout of this transfer tool removes the biggest obstacle.
