In 2020, Apple rolled out Apple One, simplifying the subscription process for dedicated Apple users to access several services in one convenient package, complete with a discount. The offering comprises three tiers, a structure that has remained unchanged since its inception. However, introducing a fourth tier could significantly benefit Apple by appealing to a vital market segment.
Apple One Tiers
At present, Apple One is available in three tiers: Individual, Family, and Premier.
The Individual plan is priced at $19.95/month, granting access to Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple TV+, and 50GB of iCloud+ storage. The Family plan, at $26.95/month, increases the iCloud+ storage to 200GB and enables family sharing across all services. The Premier plan, priced at $37.95/month, includes Apple Fitness+ and Apple News+, alongside a substantial 2TB of iCloud+ storage.
The current tier system functions well, and I don’t have particular grievances with the existing three plans. However, there exists a notable opportunity to add a fourth option specifically tailored for students.
The Precedent
Apple recognizes the significance of offering student pricing, as evidenced by its approach with Apple Music. While Apple Music is typically priced at $10.99/month, verified college students enjoy a substantial discount, paying only $5.99/month—almost 50% off.
This offer is enticing on its own, but it also includes a hidden benefit: free, ongoing access to Apple TV+, as long as students maintain their Apple Music subscription and Apple continues this offer.
This promotional offer is technically time-limited, as it may be withdrawn at any moment, according to Apple’s website. Nevertheless, it has been consistently available since the service’s launch in late 2019.
With this existing small-scale bundle for students, it raises the question—why not broaden its scope?
The Proposal: Apple One Student
The Apple One Student plan should be straightforward. A compelling approach would be to provide a discounted rate for students based on the Individual plan. This way, students could benefit from iCloud+ for backups and photo synchronization, in addition to Apple Arcade for casual gaming, along with their existing benefits of Apple Music and Apple TV+.
Considering that Apple Music Student is priced at a 45% discount from the standard plan, it could be estimated that a student version of Apple One Individual would be around $10.95.
This plan sounds appealing as it could attract younger users, likely enhancing Apple’s subscriber base, particularly for Apple Arcade.
Furthermore, once these students graduate (or after five years, whichever comes first), many will probably transition to Apple One Individual, having developed a habit of using the services. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement for both Apple and verified college students.
What are your thoughts on this proposal for students? Would you adjust any aspect of it? Share your opinions in the comments.
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