Apple Music customers have usually watched Spotify take the lead on the subject of revolutionary options and personalised listening experiences. However with the introduction of the brand new AutoMix function, Apple Music could lastly be closing the hole — and even setting a brand new customary of its personal.
Additionally: Learn how to set up iOS 26 beta in your iPhone (and which fashions help it)
What’s AutoMix in Apple Music?
At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Convention (WWDC) final week, the corporate unveiled upgrades to Apple Music, together with the power to pin artists to the highest of the show menu, AI-powered lyrics translation, the lyrics pronunciation possibility, animated cowl artwork in your lock display, and an AutoMix function that is taking the web by storm.
As seen within the video above, AutoMix seamlessly transitions between songs, utilizing AI to match the tempo and beat of the upcoming monitor, which is mechanically chosen utilizing Autoplay. Apple describes it in Settings as “songs transition on the excellent second, based mostly on evaluation of the important thing and tempo of the music.”
Additionally: ZDNET’s WWDC 2025 recap with Sabrina Ortiz and Jason Hiner
The function builds on the beforehand obtainable Crossfade possibility, which enabled smoother transitions between songs however didn’t combine the 2 songs collectively the best way a DJ would. Whereas Spotify customers could also be fast to level out that that they had an AI DJ first, it is price noting the variations. Spotify’s AI DJ features a narrated expertise that guides listeners by means of tracks, inserting much less emphasis on seamless transitions and extra on commentary and curation..
Learn how to entry AutoMix in iOS 26
The iOS 26 replace would not launch till the autumn. Consequently, to entry AutoMix now, it’s important to set up the developer beta. The beta offers customers entry to the entire newest options obtainable in iOS 26, however for the reason that options usually are not totally developed, you threat your gadget not acting at optimized effectivity and the options being buggy.
Additionally: Spotify now helps you to create an AI-made playlist with only a textual content immediate
The beta model of the AutoMix function, specifically, is fairly nice, as seen within the video above and in my very own expertise. Nonetheless, it’s not consultant of what the ultimate expertise might be, as Apple will probably iterate on the function a few instances earlier than launching.
If you’re fascinated about downloading the developer beta, you’ll be able to go to ZDNET’s information with step-by-step directions. After you have it downloaded, accessing AutoMix is simple. The steps are: click on on Settings, Apps, Music, and Track Transitions. After toggling Track Transitions on, you’ll be able to choose AutoMix, and you’re set. Alternatively, you’ll be able to kind “AutoMix” within the search bar in settings, toggle Track Transitions on, and faucet AutoMix.
Which iPhones are appropriate with iOS 26?
Apple eliminated the iPhone XR and XS from its record of supported units with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is appropriate with the brand new working system, together with the iPhone SE.
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