Amazon Music has increased prices for its Unlimited subscription service in the United States while introducing a new "Standard" tier without audiobooks at lower rates.

Prime members will now pay $10.99 monthly (up $1) for Unlimited Individual, while non-Prime members will pay $11.99. The annual Unlimited Individual plan for Prime members increases from $99 to $109. Family plan prices are also rising by $3 to $19.99 monthly and $199 annually.

The price changes take effect immediately for new subscribers and will apply to existing subscribers after March 5th. However, Amazon Music now offers a "Standard" tier without audiobooks at previous price points - $9.99 monthly for Prime members.

This move mirrors Spotify's recent strategy of separating audiobook-bundled subscriptions from music-only plans. The distinction is significant because bundled revenue receives different royalty treatment under Phonorecords IV determination, potentially affecting songwriter and publisher compensation.

According to industry data, while approximately 99% of Spotify's U.S. subscribers use bundled plans, only about 20% of Amazon Music subscribers do so. This pricing restructure, combined with Amazon Music's recent "artist-centric" partnership with Universal Music Group, suggests potential changes in how mechanical royalties are calculated for the platform.

For comparison, Apple Music currently maintains its Individual plan price at $10.99 monthly in the U.S. The impact of Amazon Music's price adjustment and subscription recalibration on both consumer behavior and industry royalties remains to be seen.

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