Introduction

Bharti Airtel, a leading telecom provider in India, is rolling out an exciting offer for its prepaid customers, providing free access to Apple Music for up to six months. This initiative, spotted within the Airtel Thanks app, extends a benefit previously reserved for postpaid and broadband subscribers, showcasing Airtel’s commitment to enhancing its digital ecosystem. With this move, Airtel aims to attract a broader audience, particularly prepaid users who often rely on free or ad-supported music platforms, by offering a premium music streaming experience at no extra cost for a limited period.

Details of the Apple Music Offer

The free Apple Music subscription allows eligible prepaid users to access millions of songs, curated playlists, and exclusive content without incurring additional charges for six months. After the trial, the subscription auto-renews at ₹119 per month, but users can cancel anytime to avoid charges. The offer has been observed on various prepaid plans, including non-unlimited 5G plans, suggesting it may not be restricted to high-value recharges. However, Airtel has not yet released an official statement clarifying eligibility criteria, so availability may vary.

How to Claim the Free Apple Music Subscription

To activate the free Apple Music subscription, prepaid users can follow these steps:

1. Download the Airtel Thanks App: Install the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store if not already installed.
2. Log In: Open the app and sign in using your Airtel prepaid number.
3. Navigate to Rewards Section: Look for the Apple Music promotional banner on the app’s home screen or under the “Rewards” section.
4. Activate the Subscription: Tap the banner and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the free subscription.
5. Enjoy Apple Music: Once activated, users can stream music across devices, including smartphones, tablets, and desktops, with no ads.

Users are advised to check the Airtel Thanks app regularly to confirm eligibility, as the offer appears to be rolling out selectively.

Airtel’s Broader Digital Strategy

This Apple Music offer is part of Airtel’s ongoing strategy to integrate premium digital services with its telecom offerings, transforming it from a traditional connectivity provider into a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Earlier in 2025, Airtel introduced Apple Music and Apple TV+ for broadband and postpaid users, and this expansion to prepaid customers significantly widens its reach, given that prepaid plans dominate the Indian market.

Bundled Entertainment and Productivity Services

Airtel has been actively partnering with global and Indian platforms to enhance its recharge plans. In addition to Apple Music, the company offers access to over 25 OTT platforms, including Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV, Lionsgate Play, Hoichoi, SunNxt, and Aha, available in more than 16 languages. For instance:

• ₹279 Plan: Includes one-month validity with Netflix Basic, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, and Airtel Xstream Play Premium, valued at approximately ₹750.
• ₹598 Plan: Offers unlimited 5G data, unlimited calls, and OTT subscriptions for 28 days.
• ₹1,729 Plan: Provides unlimited 5G data, voice calls, and OTT benefits for 84 days.

Airtel also introduced “content-only” recharges for users prioritizing entertainment over heavy data or calling plans. Beyond entertainment, Airtel has ventured into productivity services, offering free access to Perplexity AI Pro, a premium AI tool valued at nearly ₹17,000 annually, which includes advanced AI models, file uploads, and image generation.

Why This Offer Matters

For many prepaid users, premium streaming services like Apple Music are considered a luxury, with free or ad-supported platforms being the default choice. By offering a six-month free trial, Airtel aims to:

• Encourage Trials: Introduce prepaid users to premium music streaming, potentially converting them into paying subscribers post-trial.
• Enhance Customer Loyalty: Strengthen user engagement by bundling value-added services, making Airtel a preferred choice over competitors.
• Expand Apple’s Reach: Help Apple grow its paid subscriber base in India by leveraging Airtel’s extensive prepaid customer network.

The offer’s cultural and social implications are significant, as it provides access to high-quality music streaming for a broader demographic, aligning with Airtel’s goal of catering to diverse digital needs.

Eligibility and Limitations

While the offer is a compelling incentive, it is not universally available. Eligibility appears to depend on specific prepaid plans, though reports indicate it is not limited to high-value or unlimited 5G plans. Users must check the Airtel Thanks app to confirm if the offer is available for their account. The lack of an official announcement from Airtel suggests a phased or selective rollout, so not all users may see the promotional banner immediately.

Conclusion

Airtel’s free Apple Music subscription for prepaid users is a strategic move to enhance its digital offerings and appeal to India’s vast prepaid customer base. By bundling premium services like Apple Music, alongside OTT platforms and AI tools, Airtel is positioning itself as a leader in the digital lifestyle space. Prepaid users can take advantage of this offer by checking the Airtel Thanks app and activating the six-month free trial. As Airtel continues to expand its partnerships and bundled services, this initiative could redefine how telecom providers deliver value to customers in India.

For the latest updates, visit the Airtel Thanks app or www.airtel.in.