Apple Music gets AI upgrade: Playlists, imports, and smart automation revealed
Apple Music now creates playlists automatically (photo: Unsplash)
The Apple Music app has introduced new automation tools. In the 2026 update, AI generators, simplified track imports from other platforms, and “smart” algorithms for macOS have been added, according to Lifehacker.
What’s new in iOS 26.4
The central feature of the update is the integration of artificial intelligence into playlist creation.
AI generator “Playlist Playground”. Now there is no need to search for songs manually — users can describe a mood or event in text, and AI will generate a playlist of 25 tracks.
Instant media library import. Apple has added a direct button for transferring playlists from Spotify, Tidal, and YouTube Music. The feature is available directly in the app settings.
Multi-select playlists. Users can finally add a single song to multiple playlists at once. Previously, this required lengthy manual steps.
Automation and sound quality
The update affects not only the interface but also the core mechanics of device interaction:
Smart Playlists on Mac. The “Smart Playlists” feature allows users to create playlists based on strict parameters — for example, collecting only jazz at 120 BPM that was added in the past month.
Music Haptics. With this feature, the iPhone vibrates in rhythm with the music. This creates a sense of immersion and helps people with hearing impairments experience music better.
Sing mode. The “Sing” feature removes the vocalist’s voice, leaving only the instrumental track, while lyrics are highlighted in real time.
Shortcuts. Users can now automate the launch of specific genres when connecting headphones or create complex listening scenarios.
Security and device storage
Apple has also addressed issues related to full storage and data loss. New features include:
Automatic storage optimization. A new “Optimize Storage” option can automatically remove songs you haven’t played in a long time when iPhone storage is running low.
Library protection. Since data disappears when a subscription is canceled, users can now export their track list into a text file for backup.
Detailed statistics. In addition to the annual Replay summary, Apple Music now supports expanded real-time activity tracking services.
The update is already available for iPhone users running iOS 26.4.
