Chapter 1: My Apple Music Beginnings

It's an application I engage with daily, yet it's a topic I seldom discuss—today, I'm changing that!

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that Apple Music was my first significant introduction to Apple's ecosystem. Interestingly enough, my initial experience wasn't even on a Mac, but rather on a Sony Vaio! Yes, it’s true—I was once a PC user. Back in the late 90s and early 2000s, I wasn’t particularly tech-savvy, which explains my choice of a generic Sony laptop. However, it was during this time that I first downloaded iTunes, and everything shifted for me.

A friend once mentioned iTunes, claiming I would absolutely love it. He was spot on! I fondly recall the thrill of importing my CDs into that laptop and watching them populate my library. With a collection of CDs already in hand, I started importing them one by one, laying the groundwork for my music library. Those formative days likely explain why I still prefer Apple Music over Spotify.

As I mentioned, Apple Music was my gateway into Apple's digital ecosystem. After installing iTunes, I became eager to take my music on the go, leading to my initial purchases of Apple hardware, starting with iPods. Over the years, I managed to own nearly every model—Nano, Mini, Shuffle, and a Touch, which I pretended was an iPhone! I even had a Classic, a stunning piece of technology that, unfortunately, was stolen and never replaced. It’s fascinating to think how much has changed in the past two decades; back then, a 10GB storage capacity felt immense!

Apple's strategy was brilliant. My journey into their ecosystem began with iTunes. Without it, I might never have invested in those iPods, and my adventure with Apple could have taken a different trajectory.

Next, I found myself transitioning from my Blackberry. I had heard that the iPhone was a hybrid device—part iPod and part phone. The ability for all my music from my laptop to magically appear on my iPhone was too enticing to resist. Thus, I bid farewell to my iPod and embraced the new era of the iPhone.

Following the iPhone, my first Mac was the logical next step. All the music I had been accumulating in my Apple Music (iTunes) library would be waiting for me on my new Mac. However, the experience was bittersweet. Upon rushing home with my MacBook Air, I attempted to log into my Apple Music account, only to discover that the internal storage was insufficient to accommodate my library. I was devastated, but every cloud has a silver lining.

Returning to the store, the staff provided a workaround—though it required purchasing an external hard drive, they helped me map my library to that drive, and I was set to continue my music journey.

Over the years, I have owned numerous Macs, and Apple Music has always been one of the first applications I set up. When configuring a new Mac, having music is essential, making it a perfect starting point.

The primary selling point for me has always been the legacy of iTunes within Apple Music. The ability to rip CDs or even vinyl and add them to my library is incredibly valuable to me. While I can stream a lot of what I want on Apple Music, much of my extensive collection isn’t available online. Unlike Spotify, my Apple Music library is uniquely mine, and that’s invaluable.

Although I haven't spent much time on Spotify, I often hear about its impressive algorithm that curates track after track for users. Its standout features seem to revolve around this algorithm along with its playlists. While impressive, I prefer to know what I want to listen to rather than relying on an app to tell me. I usually open Apple Music with a specific mood in mind, guiding my choices rather than being led by the app.

Fortunately, Apple has recognized the need for improvements in its music app and has responded with significant updates in recent years. The audio quality has always been a priority for Apple Music, particularly with the introduction of Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, and lossless audio. I've tried other streaming services like Tidal, which offer great audio quality, but they lack the comprehensive functionality of Apple Music.

As we approach iOS 17, even more enhancements are on the horizon for Apple Music. The app is set to receive collaborative playlists, allowing groups to create shared playlists, seamlessly integrating with SharePlay for CarPlay. Many loyal users have been calling for a Crossfade feature, and with iOS 17, that wish will finally be fulfilled. Additionally, a UI redesign is coming, along with the use of the camera in Apple Music Sing for a fun karaoke experience.

Separating Apple Classical and Podcasts into their own apps is a stroke of genius, simplifying the listening experience even further.

Chapter 2: The Impact of Apple Music on My Life

How could I have known back then that my first experience with Apple Music would shape my daily life? With hindsight, I can see how easily I fell into Apple's grasp, drawn in by my love of music and a decent-sized collection. This single vulnerability was all Apple needed to engage me.

It may sound like I’m frustrated, but I’m not at all. Apple has consistently provided what I've needed, whether creatively or for leisure. I work on Macs daily, use Apple Podcasts and Apple Music for exercise, and unwind with Apple TV and HomePods.

The synergy of Apple’s offerings enhances my daily life. While other companies produce great phones, laptops, music players, and cloud storage solutions, I can’t think of another that provides such a comprehensive ecosystem.

Apple Music and iTunes captured my heart—Apple simply guided me along the path and revealed how effortless everything could be under its umbrella. I have never regretted my choice, and the fact that it has led me to create content and share my experiences is just the icing on the cake.

Thank you, iTunes!

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In this video titled "How to Improve Apple Music My Favorites Mix," viewers can explore tips and techniques to enhance their Apple Music experience.

The second video, "Billie Eilish & FINNEAS: HIT ME HARD AND SOFT Interview | Apple Music," offers an intimate look at the artists' creative processes and their relationship with Apple Music.