The high price tag is partly attributed to the book’s premium design. Each copy comes with a translucent acrylic slipcase engraved with the iconic Apple Music logo, and the pages are meticulously edged with gold for a finish that feels as luxurious as it sounds. Buyers with an eye for detail will appreciate touches like the linen hardcover, also bearing the debossed Apple logo. While some may balk at the price, Apple and Assouline are betting that fans of Apple’s high design standards—and music history buffs—will find the investment worthwhile.
Assouline: The Right Partner for a Premium Product
For those familiar with Assouline, it’s clear why Apple partnered with this prestigious publisher to bring its vision to life. Assouline has a legacy of creating exquisite coffee table books that are as much works of art as they are reading material. Known for publications spanning luxury fashion, travel, and lifestyle, Assouline’s books are prized for their high-quality materials, unique design elements, and limited print runs, all of which enhance their value as collectible pieces.
This edition is no exception to Assouline’s standards of opulence. From the custom-designed translucent acrylic slipcase that protects the book to the gold-edged pages that mirror the golden title on the spine, every detail is designed to elevate the physical experience of the book. With Assouline’s expertise, the book’s physical elements align seamlessly with Apple’s high aesthetic standards, setting it apart from more conventional publications.
As a nod to those willing to splurge, orders over $200 come with complimentary shipping, adding an extra layer of convenience to an already deluxe package. While this may seem minor, it reinforces the premium experience Apple and Assouline are offering.
Inside the Book: Celebrating Music’s Finest
The Apple Music: 100 Best Albums book isn’t just a visual masterpiece; it’s also a celebration of music’s most iconic records. Within its 208 pages, readers will discover a curated list of the 100 albums that Apple Music considers the greatest of all time. This selection, made public earlier in the year, reflects Apple Music’s dedication to celebrating the legacy and impact of legendary music across genres and eras. From classic rock and soul to modern-day pop and hip-hop, the list encompasses a wide range of styles and artists, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The book opens with a foreword from Zane Lowe, a familiar voice to Apple Music users as the host of Apple Music 1 radio. Lowe provides a personal touch, contextualizing the importance of these albums and the role they’ve played in shaping the music landscape as we know it. Each album is showcased with its original album art, accompanied by insightful commentary and details about the album’s release, reception, and enduring influence. This makes the book more than just a list; it’s a narrative of music history and a tribute to the artistry that has shaped global culture.
The Allure of a Limited Edition
What’s it about limited editions that drives fans and collectors to shell out hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars? For many, it’s the allure of owning a piece of something rare and exclusive. Apple is no stranger to this concept. Their 2016 release, Designed by Apple in California, started at $199 and has since become a highly sought-after collector’s item, especially after being discontinued in 2019. Today, that book can fetch prices well beyond its original cost on resale markets like eBay, solidifying its status as a collector’s gem.
With Apple Music: 100 Best Albums, Apple and Assouline have created a product that carries the same potential. The hand-numbered editions add a personal touch to each copy, while the limited print run ensures that not everyone who wants the book will get it—an enticing prospect for those who collect memorabilia and Apple products. In a world where most media is digital, there’s something inherently valuable about owning a tangible, beautifully crafted book that not everyone can have.
The Intersection of Apple and Music
The release of this book underscores Apple’s long-standing influence in the music industry. From the launch of iTunes in 2001 to the debut of Apple Music in 2015, Apple has consistently played a pivotal role in the way we consume and appreciate music. Curating a list of the top 100 albums is a natural extension of that influence, allowing Apple to shape the narrative around which records are considered essential listening.
This book goes beyond just Apple’s impact, though—it’s also a celebration of music as a whole. With streaming services making millions of songs instantly accessible, it can be easy to forget the artistry and cultural significance behind iconic albums. Apple Music: 100 Best Albums serves as a reminder of the albums that defined generations, influenced trends, and continue to resonate with listeners today. It invites readers to slow down, admire the artwork, and reflect on the historical significance of each album, bridging the gap between today’s digital world and the rich history of recorded music.
For Whom Is This Book?
At $450, Apple Music: 100 Best Albums isn’t for everyone. Casual listeners may find the price prohibitive, especially when they can access most of these albums on Apple Music at a fraction of the cost. However, for dedicated Apple fans, music historians, and collectors, the book represents more than just a list of albums—it’s a piece of art, a collector’s item, and a testament to Apple’s design philosophy.
For those who appreciate premium craftsmanship and the tactile experience of a beautifully made book, this edition offers a unique, multi-sensory experience. The slipcase, gold edging, and linen cover all contribute to making each moment with the book feel intentional and luxurious. It’s an investment for anyone who values the intersection of music and design, and it will likely become a conversation starter on any coffee table.
A Collector’s Item in the Making
Could Apple Music: 100 Best Albums become as valuable as Designed by Apple in California? Only time will tell. However, given Apple’s track record and the growing trend of limited-edition collectibles, it’s not far-fetched to imagine this book appreciating in value over time. For those who purchase it now, there’s the possibility of owning a rare piece that only gains value, particularly as Apple continues to shape the worlds of technology and culture.
As more collectors seek unique pieces that reflect their personal interests, items like this book become more than just “things”; they become expressions of identity and passion. In a world where most media is increasingly intangible, there’s something special about owning a high-quality book that can be displayed, admired, and passed down.
An Iconic Collaboration
Apple’s Apple Music: 100 Best Albums book is more than just a list—it’s a curated experience crafted by two brands that understand luxury and cultural impact. For the right buyer, this book will be a prized possession, embodying both music history and high design in a single, beautifully crafted package. Whether you’re a collector, a music lover, or an Apple enthusiast, this limited-edition release is a bold reminder of the power of physical media in a digital age.
If you’re considering making the investment, remember: in the world of collectibles, rarity and craftsmanship can transform a purchase into a treasure.
