Apple Music has rolled out a major new feature that could shift the balance of the music-streaming wars. With the latest iOS 18.6.2 update, the platform now allows users to import their playlists from rival services — including Spotify — directly into their Apple Music library.

The tool, labeled “Transfer Music from Other Music Services”, is available in the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil, following early beta tests in Australia and New Zealand. It works across iPhone, iPad, Android devices, and even the Apple Music web player, giving subscribers multiple entry points to move their entire collections. Users will need to enable Sync Library for the feature to function, ensuring that their imported tracks remain accessible across all devices.

How It Works

Once activated, the feature connects to third-party services to handle the migration. Users simply log in with their existing account credentials — for example, Spotify — and select which songs, albums, or playlists to transfer. Apple Music then scans its catalog and automatically matches the tracks. If certain songs aren’t available, they’re flagged for manual review, allowing users to choose alternative versions or omit them entirely. Importantly, nothing is deleted from the original account, so Spotify libraries remain untouched after the transfer.

This innovation directly addresses one of the biggest barriers to switching services: the fear of losing years of carefully curated playlists. By offering a seamless migration path, Apple Music removes a major point of friction and positions itself as the most user-friendly option for anyone considering a move.

The Timing

The release of this feature couldn’t come at a more strategic moment. Spotify is facing growing boycott calls after its CEO, Daniel Ek, invested €600 million in Helsing, an AI company developing military technologies. The investment sparked outrage among musicians and fans, many of whom see it as incompatible with Spotify’s role in supporting the arts. In response, several bands and independent labels have already pulled their catalogs from the platform.

Against this backdrop, Apple Music’s new import tool looks like more than just a technical upgrade — it’s a tactical play. By making it effortless for frustrated Spotify users to bring their libraries with them, Apple is positioning itself as the natural refuge for those ready to make the switch.

More Than Just Music

Apple also emphasizes that the transfer tool is only one piece of a larger vision. Each import is designed to flow seamlessly into the platform’s ecosystem, combining with existing features like lossless audio, Dolby Atmos spatial sound, and curated editorial playlists. The company is betting that once users make the leap, they’ll stay for the broader Apple Music experience — one that increasingly extends beyond listening to include visuals, live sessions, and cultural content.

A New Phase in the Streaming Battle

The global streaming market has long been dominated by a handful of players, with Spotify holding the largest share. But Apple Music’s latest move signals a more aggressive strategy: remove every obstacle that might stop a user from switching. If transferring playlists becomes as easy as clicking a button, Spotify’s dominance could be challenged more directly than ever before.

For now, Apple has only rolled out the feature in select markets, but expansion is expected. And with the cultural conversation around Spotify intensifying, the timing feels calculated. As listeners weigh their ethics alongside their playlists, Apple Music is offering them both a reason — and a way — to make the jump.