Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that the iOS 26.4 beta introduces “Playlist Playground,” an AI-powered feature that allows Apple Music subscribers to create their own playlists using text prompts or song selections.
- The update includes dynamic album backgrounds that match the colors of the artwork and a new upcoming concerts feature that shows nearby performances with ticket details.
- These Apple Intelligence-based enhancements represent significant improvements to Apple Music’s interface and functionality, although availability is rolling out to beta users.
On Monday, Apple released the first beta version of iOS 26.4 to developers. Unfortunately, today’s beta still doesn’t include the long-awaited new Gemini-powered Siri, but it does come with another interesting new AI-related feature, especially if you’re an Apple Music subscriber.
Not only does the iOS 26.4 update bring a new interface for albums and playlists, it also brings a new AI playlist feature that should be available soon. Read on for a breakdown of what’s new in Apple Music with iOS 26.4 beta.
Updated interface for albums and playlists
The Apple Music app is getting another interface upgrade after the major overhaul introduced with iOS 26 last year. Now when users view an album or playlist, the background will follow the color of the artwork instead of solid white.
It’s not exactly a huge change, but it brings a breath of fresh air to Apple Music, making the experience a little smoother and more immersive.
Apple Music has new colored backgrounds for albums and playlists in iOS 26.4.
Foundry
Concerts near you
Here’s another small but interesting detail about Apple Music in iOS 26.4 beta. When you first open the app after installing the update, you’ll see a message saying that Apple Music can now show you upcoming concerts near you.
It’s unclear exactly how this feature works within Apple Music, but it’s likely to be based on the same feature that already exists in the (Apple-owned) Shazam app. With Shazam, users can view and save upcoming shows and ticket details, as well as set reminders to stay informed of tour dates.
With Apple Music’s iOS 26.4 update, you’ll be able to get tour information for your favorite artists.
Foundry
Playlists generated by artificial intelligence
However, what really stands out in this update is the AI playlist feature. This feature is part of the iOS 26.4 beta code, but it seems that it is not yet enabled for all users.
Based on the code, Apple Music subscribers will have access to a “new way to create playlists” using Apple Intelligence. A feature called “Playlist Playground” will generate playlists based on text prompts or even based on a selection of at least 10 different songs.
Users can describe what songs they want in the playlist, what artists they want to listen to or simply what kind of atmosphere they like best. The code suggests that Playlist Playground is also capable of editing old playlists.
It’s unclear whether Playlist Playground will use Apple Intelligence or a third-party AI provider. For example, Apple has already partnered with OpenAI to provide playlist generation on Apple Music via ChatGPT.
The feature appears to be part of the Apple Intelligence update available to users updating to iOS 26.4 beta. It’s unclear how quickly Apple is rolling out this feature to users, but it’s not available during initial installation.
When to expect iOS 26.4?
iOS 26.4 beta also adds other new features, including encrypted RCS messages and video episodes on Apple Podcasts. Apple says the update will be released to the public this spring.