Bharti Airtel is once again shaking up the Indian telecom scene, this time by extending free Apple Music subscriptions to its prepaid users. Until now, this perk was exclusive to postpaid and broadband customers, but Airtel seems ready to include its massive prepaid user base in its digital entertainment push.
This move comes on the heels of Airtel’s recent collaboration with Perplexity AI Pro, which gave users complimentary access to a premium AI service worth nearly ₹17,000 per year. Clearly, Airtel is serious about combining connectivity with entertainment and productivity tools for all types of customers.
Apple Music Now for Prepaid Users
According to Telecom Talk, several Airtel prepaid users have noticed a new banner in the Airtel Thanks app promoting the Apple Music offer. This subscription is free for up to six months, after which it renews automatically at ₹119 per month.
Interestingly, Airtel hasn’t officially announced the offer yet. That means the eligibility criteria remain somewhat unclear. Even non-unlimited 5G plan users seem to be seeing the offer, which hints that Airtel might be aiming to make Apple Music accessible to a broad audience.
How to Check Eligibility
Prepaid users curious about this new perk can log into the Airtel Thanks app to see if their account is eligible. The app is the central hub for Airtel’s digital bundles, offering easy access to music, movies, and even AI services.
Airtel’s Digital Bundling Strategy
The Apple Music extension is part of Airtel’s broader digital bundling strategy. The telecom operator has partnered with global and Indian platforms to combine premium services with its recharge plans.
Back in February 2025, Airtel teamed up with Apple to offer Apple TV+ and Apple Music to broadband and postpaid customers. Now, extending Apple Music to prepaid users significantly widens the audience that can enjoy these services.
Prepaid Plans That Go Beyond Data
Airtel has been revamping its prepaid plans to offer more than just data and calling minutes. Many of these plans now include access to over 25 popular OTT platforms, including Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLIV, Lionsgate Play, Hoichoi, SunNxt, and Aha. With entertainment available across 16+ languages, Airtel is clearly thinking about the diverse Indian audience.
For instance:
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The ₹279 prepaid plan includes one-month access to Netflix Basic, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee5, and Airtel Xstream Play Premium. The total value of these benefits is around ₹750.
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The ₹598 plan offers unlimited 5G data, unlimited calling, and bundled OTT subscriptions for 28 days.
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At the premium end, the ₹1,729 recharge plan delivers unlimited 5G data, unlimited calling, and OTT subscriptions for 84 days.
Airtel is clearly taking a “more than just telecom” approach to prepaid plans, making them lifestyle bundles.
Productivity Meets Entertainment: Perplexity AI Collaboration
Airtel isn’t just stopping at entertainment. In July 2025, the company partnered with Perplexity AI to give its customers complimentary access to premium AI tools. This includes advanced AI models, file uploads, image generation, and more. By blending productivity tools with entertainment perks, Airtel is making its offerings far more attractive to users who want a one-stop digital experience.
Why This Matters for Prepaid Users
Many prepaid customers in India rely on free or ad-supported streaming platforms. By offering a six-month free Apple Music subscription, Airtel gives them a chance to explore premium music without committing to payments upfront. Once the trial ends, some users may convert into paid subscribers—a win-win for both customers and Airtel.
Airtel Thanks App: Your Gateway to Perks
The Airtel Thanks app is becoming a central hub for all these digital offerings. Prepaid users should frequently check the app to see if they’ve unlocked the Apple Music benefit, along with other entertainment and productivity subscriptions.
The Bigger Picture: Airtel’s Focus on Customer Experience
By combining connectivity, entertainment, and productivity, Airtel is aiming to create a holistic user experience. Extending premium perks like Apple Music to prepaid users isn’t just a marketing move—it’s a strategic effort to increase engagement and loyalty across all segments of its customer base.
Future of Telecom Bundles in India
With Airtel leading the charge, telecom bundles in India are evolving. It’s no longer just about talk time or data. Today, prepaid plans can include movies, music, AI tools, and more, transforming how millions of Indians experience digital life.
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Conclusion
Airtel is redefining prepaid plans in India by blending connectivity with premium entertainment and productivity services. From Apple Music to Perplexity AI, the telecom giant is proving that prepaid users deserve the same perks as postpaid and broadband customers. For those looking for a richer, more digital-first experience, Airtel’s new bundles might just be the perfect fit.
