Straight from the iPhone
Several apps exist in order to make it easier to download and stream music right to the iPhone without the need for a computer. For example, stock apps that come preloaded onto the device include the iTunes Store and Music app which gives the user the ability to purchase individual songs or entire albums onto their phone at a cost. Although these methods typically cost money, they are highly convenient given that they only take a few minutes to complete and are able to sync to other devices on the iTunes networks well.
- iTunes Store – Beyond just music, the app offers users the option to purchase music, movies, and other media content right on the device. With the latest releases available and recommendations based on previous purchases made, the app is able to find music and content that the user is most likely to listen in order to provide a tailored experience.
- Music app – The Music app serves several functions including storing music that is downloaded onto the phone or are transferred via iTunes as well as a marketplace for music. In that music that is synced onto the device is found here, it is most likely where many would go to listen to music. Furthermore, the app has a built in radio as to allow users to listen to their radio stations right in the app.
- Spotify – As one of the most popular music streaming apps, Spotify is known for having the latest music as well as recommending many playlists to listeners based on their mood. With playlists curated by other listeners, it is extremely simple to share a certain playlist that one has created with other users. With the free version, users can stream playlists but only skip a certain number of times. With the premium version, users are able to download an unlimited number of songs right on their device so that they can listen to the songs even when not connected to the internet, although there is a monthly cost associated with this method.
Downloading Music from Desktop and Syncing it to the iPhone
Instead of having to pay for music services through apps on the iPhone, free alternative exist although takes longer to do. Through services online which are legal, users are able to download music and then sync it to the iTunes in order transfer it to the iPhone.
For example, a quick search of a particular song with the word “mp3” will yield sites which music can be directly downloaded from which is both cost effective and one of the quickest alternatives to downloading music on the device. Although this method is legal, pirating music from sources such as Piratebay and other torrenting sources may not be legal depending on the local restrictions. For these reasons, we will only discuss how to download music from sites that host music in mp3 format and then sync it to the iPhone.
- Search the song title with the word “mp3” in the browser.
- If there is a legal resource, click the download button which will download the file directly onto the computer.
- With the mp3 file, users can simply drag and drop it into iTunes as they would with any audio file and sync it to their iPhone in order to save it for offline listening.
Both pros and cons exist with this method of obtaining music. For example, benefits include no cost and two versions of the file, one on the desktop and one on the iPhone. Cons include a longer process in order to get the music and the inability to download entire albums at once as songs must be downloaded individually. Furthermore, some users may care about the art that is often attached to a music file which would not be available using the Music app.
Utilizing one of these two methods, it is extremely simple to download music to the iPhone either for streaming or listening when offline. Whether a user finds more value in the convenience of paying for music or downloading it for free on a desktop and then syncing it to the device, one of these two methods are applicable and easy to follow even for those who are new iPhone users. It is important to note that not all forms of downloading are legal such as pirating music or other content depending on local regulations and should be avoided for legal and security reasons.
