The iOS 26 update has a hidden gem in the form of Apple Music, and it’s all about the small changes that make a big difference. After years of using Spotify, I switched to Apple Music about a year ago. The audio quality and interface were appealing, but Apple Music often felt stagnant compared to its rivals like Spotify and YouTube Music, which consistently introduced fresh features. 
But with iOS 26, it’s clear Apple Music is making a comeback, and I couldn’t be more excited!
The update brings one of the most significant improvements to Apple Music in years. It’s not just about catching up, it’s about refining the experience to make it more personal, fluid, and enjoyable. And these changes are really making me enjoy the service more.
One of the smartest new features is the ability to pin your favorite playlists, albums, or artists to the top of the Library tab. While this may seem trivial at first glance, it makes a massive difference. Now, instead of scrolling through the entire library or relying on Recently Played, I can get to my most-listened-to music instantly. For example, I love having my running playlists always in sight without hunting for them.
Another fantastic addition is the real-time lyrics translation and pronunciation feature. As someone who loves listening to music in different languages, this feature is a game-changer. Not only can I now understand the meaning behind the lyrics, but I can also hear how words are pronounced-perfect for someone like me who struggles with memorizing lyrics. It feels like an anime intro from my childhood, where the lyrics were shown on-screen, making it easier to sing along, even if I didn’t know the language.
The new AutoMix feature is a standout
. When I switched from Spotify, it wasn’t because of any particular feature, but rather a change of pace and the promise of better integration with my Apple ecosystem. But with AutoMix, Apple Music has added something that makes me feel like I didn’t lose out on anything. This feature uses Apple Intelligence to transition between songs seamlessly, like a DJ, keeping the flow of the music going. 
It’s not just a simple cross-fade; the transitions are smooth and organic, making for an enjoyable listening experience.
Visually, Apple Music has also had a glow-up. The lock screen now displays full-screen animated album art, which brings an extra layer of immersion to the experience
. It’s a small touch, but it adds to the overall fluidity of the interface, which ties into Apple’s signature Liquid Glass design.
However, while these features are impressive, many of them feel like they should have been here sooner. Pinning music, real-time lyric translations, and AutoMix were all features that Spotify and YouTube Music had already implemented, so it’s a bit surprising that it took Apple this long to catch up. It’s also fair to wonder why these features weren’t part of Apple Music earlier, considering it’s a flagship service. But, as the saying goes, better late than never.
In conclusion, Apple Music’s iOS 26 update is a welcome change, and while it may be late to the party, it’s a polished and much-needed step forward. Now, if only they could add smart shuffle and make up for the lack of song continuation between devices…