Apple Music gains discounted $99/year membership through new gift cards, effectively $8.25/month

Apple Music just became more affordable for everyone. Apple stores and select retailers have rolled out a new 12-month Apple Music gift card, priced at $99. That comes out to $8.25 per month, which is about an 18% savings compared to the standard rate of $9.99. Or you could look at it like you’re getting about 2 months of service for free when you pre-pay for your upcoming year.

The new gift card recently launched at Apple stores, but you’ll have to hit up another retailer if you’re looking to buy it online.

Perhaps in an attempt to drive foot traffic to its retail locations, the discounted Apple Music gift card is not (yet) available from Apple’s online store. What’s more, we’re hearing that not all locations may have it in stock yet, so make sure you give your local store a call before making the trek. Also, the special 12-month option cannot currently be purchased through subscription setting on iOS, even in the latest iOS 10 beta.

However, you can buy it right now without leaving your couch via email delivery from PayPal’s official eBay storefront and Walmart online.

This isn’t the first time Apple has offered discounted pricing for its streaming music service. Students are eligible for a significant 50% discount and families (up to 6 people) pay just $15 per month ($2.50 a person). Alternatively, you could always wait for a deal on iTunes gift cards and then use them to pay your Apple Music tab. But most of those deals generally offer a 10-20% savings so in many cases you may be better offer with the new 12-month pricing.

Today’s news comes as Apple is prepping to ship its revamped Music app and competition has intensified with key streaming rivals Spotify and Tidal.

Are you willing to pre-pay your next year of Apple Music to save 18%? Speak up in the comments section below and let us know how you feel about this new pricing option.