You've finally decided to pull the trigger. Maybe it's the siren call of lossless audio, or perhaps you're just tired of Spotify trying to force-feed you podcasts when you just want to hear some 90s grunge. Either way, you're looking to migrate from Spotify to Apple Music, and you’re probably realizing that there isn't exactly a giant "Import" button waiting for you in the Music app.
It's a bit of a process. Honestly, it's kinda annoying that in 2026 we still have to use third-party tools to move data between two of the biggest apps on the planet. But it’s doable. And if you do it right, you won't lose that specific, weirdly named "Late Night Rain" playlist you spent three years perfecting.
The 2026 Reality: Apple’s New Internal Transfer Tool
For a long time, Apple basically ignored the fact that people were switching. They figured if you wanted in, you’d manually rebuild your library like a monk transcribing a manuscript. That changed recently.
Apple has quietly rolled out an integrated transfer feature in partnership with SongShift. It’s tucked away in the settings, and most people miss it entirely. If you're on an iPhone, head to Settings > Apps > Music > Transfer Music from Other Services.
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It’s not perfect. It usually handles the big hits and major albums flawlessly. However, if your library is full of obscure Bandcamp rips or "Dayglow - Can I Call You Tonight (Slowed + Reverb)" remixes, the internal tool might just throw its hands up in the air.
Why Everyone Still Uses SongShift and Soundiiz
Even with Apple's new tool, the hardcore music nerds usually stick to the classics. If you have a massive library—we're talking 5,000+ songs—the built-in method can be slow.
SongShift remains the gold standard for iOS users. It’s an app you download, link your accounts to, and let it do the heavy lifting. The "Rematch" feature is a lifesaver. If it finds a live version of a song when you wanted the studio track, you can manually override it.
On the other hand, Soundiiz is basically the Swiss Army knife for web browsers. It’s a bit more "data-heavy" and looks like a spreadsheet, but it is incredibly powerful. You can batch-move everything, from followed artists to "Liked" songs, which a lot of other tools miss.
Expert Tip: If you’re a cheapskate (no judgment), most of these tools have a free tier that limits you to moving 200–500 songs. If you’ve got a massive library, just pay the $5 for one month of "Pro," move everything, and then immediately cancel the subscription. It's worth the price of a coffee to save six hours of your life.
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The Sound Quality Argument (Is It Real?)
Basically, yes. Apple Music uses ALAC (Apple Lossless Audio Codec). Spotify is still mostly stuck on Ogg Vorbis at 320kbps.
Will you hear the difference? If you're using $20 gas station earbuds, absolutely not. But if you’ve got a decent pair of wired cans or even high-end AirPods, the Spatial Audio and Lossless tiers on Apple Music sound noticeably "wider." It’s less compressed. It feels more like the artist is in the room and less like they’re being played through a tin can.
Plus, Apple Music Classical is included for free. If you actually enjoy orchestral music, Spotify’s search engine is a nightmare for finding specific recordings by specific conductors. Apple's dedicated Classical app fixes that metadata mess entirely.
What Gets Lost in the Shuffle
Metadata is the enemy. When you migrate from Spotify to Apple Music, you need to be prepared for a few things to break:
- Playcount and History: Your "Spotify Wrapped" data doesn't come with you. Apple Music starts with a blank slate for your "Replay" stats.
- Collaborative Playlists: These often turn into standard, static playlists during the move. You'll have to re-invite your friends on the Apple side.
- Local Files: If you uploaded your own MP3s to Spotify, those won't magically appear on Apple's servers. You’ll need to re-upload those via the Music app on a Mac or PC.
How to Handle the "Missing Song" Headache
No matter which tool you use, you’re going to get a "Failed to Match" report. It happens. Usually, it's because Spotify has the rights to a specific "Deluxe Edition" that Apple doesn't, or the naming convention is slightly different (e.g., "Song Name - Remastered" vs "Song Name [2026 Remaster]").
Don't panic. Just keep a PDF or a screenshot of the "Failed" list from your transfer tool. You can usually find the songs manually in Apple Music—they just have a slightly different ID in the database.
Step-by-Step: The Cleanest Way to Move
If I were doing this today for a friend, here is exactly how I'd tell them to do it:
- Audit your Spotify first. Delete those old playlists from your ex. You don't need that energy in your new library.
- Use the Web. If you have a computer, use the Soundiiz web interface. It’s more stable than doing it over a phone's Wi-Fi connection.
- Transfer in Batches. Don't try to move 10,000 songs at once. Do "Liked Songs" first, then your "Must-Haves," then the rest.
- Check the Matches. Before you hit "Confirm," scan the list for "Wrong Artist" matches.
- Update your Settings. Once you're in Apple Music, go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality and turn on Lossless. It’s off by default to save data, but you didn't switch just to listen to low-res audio.
Moving Your Local Files
This is the part everyone hates. If you have rare bootlegs on Spotify, you need to find those original files on your hard drive.
Open the Music app on your computer, go to File > Import, and select those tracks. Once they’re in your library, right-click them and select Add to Cloud Library. They’ll then sync to your iPhone. It’s a bit 2012, sure, but it’s the only way to keep your rare tracks.
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The "Point of No Return"
Once you've confirmed your playlists are all there, don't delete your Spotify account immediately. Keep it for a month. You might realize you missed a specific folder or a set of "Daily Mixes" that you want to recreate manually.
Apple Music’s algorithm takes a few weeks to "learn" you. At first, your "Discovery Station" might be a bit wonky. Feed it. Love songs, skip the ones you hate, and within 14 days, it’ll be just as smart as Spotify ever was.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your library size on Spotify to see if you qualify for free tiers of transfer tools.
- Download SongShift or open Soundiiz in your browser.
- Run a test transfer of a single, small playlist to ensure your Apple Music account is properly linked.
- Verify your audio settings in Apple Music to ensure you're actually getting the Lossless quality you're paying for.