Apple Music Now Available on Rekordbox & Serato

Apple has officially entered the DJ streaming landscape, launching “DJ with Apple Music”—a groundbreaking new feature allowing DJs to seamlessly integrate their Apple Music subscription directly into professional DJ software and hardware. Confirmed simultaneously by industry-leading DJ platforms Serato and Rekordbox, this integration positions Apple Music alongside other popular DJ streaming services such as Tidal, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud, and Amazon Music.

Here’s everything you need to know about this major announcement, what it means for DJs, and how to access this game-changing functionality.

Integrating Apple Music into DJ Software and Hardware

Until recently, Apple Music was mainly a personal listening platform. However, DJs can now leverage their Apple Music libraries directly through:

• Laptop-Based Software:
  • Serato DJ Pro & Rekordbox: Both industry-standard DJ software now fully support Apple Music integration. DJs simply need to update to the latest software versions to start mixing tracks directly from their Apple Music library.
  • Rekordbox for iOS/iPadOS: Mobile DJs are also covered, as Rekordbox’s mobile apps have integrated Apple Music streaming, providing even greater flexibility.
• Standalone DJ Equipment:
  • Compatible standalone hardware from leading brands like Denon DJ, Numark, and AlphaTheta (formerly Pioneer DJ) have also announced firmware updates to support Apple Music. Devices now compatible include:
    • AlphaTheta XDJ-AZ, Omnis Duo
    • Denon DJ Prime 4+, SC Live 4, SC Live 2, Prime Go+
    • Numark Mixstream Pro Go, Mixstream Pro+

Why is Apple Music’s DJ Integration Significant?

Apple Music’s arrival into DJ ecosystems is a huge development, primarily because of the platform’s sheer size and subscriber base—second only to Spotify, which remains notably absent from professional DJ integrations.

This strategic move by Apple provides several key advantages:

• No Additional Fees: Unlike certain other services, Apple Music doesn’t require extra fees or special DJ subscription tiers, making it instantly attractive to existing subscribers.
• Expanded Accessibility: DJs who already curate playlists and libraries within Apple Music can now easily use the same platform for both personal listening and professional DJing, streamlining their music management.
• Curated DJ Playlists: Apple has introduced specially curated DJ playlists designed specifically for performance, offering DJs ready-made sets for different genres and moods.

Key Features and Functionalities

Here’s what DJs can expect from Apple Music integration into Serato and Rekordbox:

• Library Syncing: DJs can now keep their personal music libraries synced alongside streaming playlists in Apple Music. This feature simplifies workflow significantly by eliminating the need to manage multiple platforms.
• Cloud Integration: For Rekordbox users, cue points, beat grids, loops, and track analysis information can be stored in the cloud, accessible from any compatible device.
• Streaming Only: Currently, Apple Music does not support offline storage for DJing purposes. DJs must have an active internet connection during performance to access streaming tracks.
• No Stems Functionality (Yet): At present, the integration does not support advanced “stems” features offered by some DJ platforms, though this may change in future updates.

Supported vs. Unsupported Hardware

As of now, Apple Music integration is officially supported only by select standalone DJ equipment (listed above). Hardware such as Pioneer DJ’s XDJ-XZ, Opus Quad, SC6000, XDJ-RX3, and the Numark Prime 2 and Prime Go are currently unsupported.

DJs using Serato and Rekordbox software via laptops face no such restrictions, as integration is universal across compatible laptop setups.

What About Other DJ Software?

At this time, Apple Music integration is limited to Serato DJ Pro, Rekordbox, and Algoriddim’s Djay Pro, which added Apple Music compatibility previously. Other popular DJ software such as Traktor and VirtualDJ have not yet announced integration.

Is Apple Music Better Than Other DJ Streaming Services?

While Apple Music presents major advantages—particularly if you’re already an Apple Music subscriber—each streaming platform has distinct strengths and weaknesses:

• Tidal offers lossless audio quality.
• Beatport & Beatsource provide curated DJ-centric tracks and genre-specific sets.
• SoundCloud features a vast independent music library.

Ultimately, DJs should evaluate their personal preferences and workflow needs when choosing a streaming platform.

Future of DJing and Streaming

Apple Music’s significant entry into the professional DJ sphere represents a turning point. It marks a broader industry shift, acknowledging streaming as a mainstream rather than niche option for DJs. As Apple further refines and expands this functionality, expect other platforms and DJ software to accelerate their streaming integrations.

Final Thoughts: A New Era for DJs

With the addition of Apple Music to Serato and Rekordbox, DJs worldwide now have unprecedented access to one of the world’s largest music streaming libraries. Seamless integration, curated playlists, and no additional subscription costs position Apple Music as an attractive new choice for DJs everywhere.

For DJs already embedded in Apple’s ecosystem, this update makes perfect sense, offering convenience, ease, and powerful capabilities at their fingertips.