iOS 26.4 Beta brings AI Playlist Playground to Apple Music

Apple has introduced the beta for iOS 26.4, introducing key updates to its UI, apps and services. While this version misses out on the expected Siri update, many applications have received new updates. Notably, Apple Music has received a host of new features and design changes.

Playlist Playground

Arguably the biggest feature of the beta, users can now create AI-generated playlists by simply typing in a prompt. Similar to Spotify’s “Prompted Playlist” and YouTube’s “AI Playlist”, Playlist Playground generates playlists using natural language descriptions. As of now, the playlist size has been capped at 25 songs and also comes with pre-existing prompts. These playlists can then be saved to the library. According to various sources, this feature uses Apple’s own AI ‘Apple Intelligence’.

Concerts Near You

This feature allows users to see upcoming nearby concerts within the Apple Music App. First, the app asks for location permission. After permission is granted, it shows a list of the upcoming shows in the vicinity of the user, along with the details. It also provides ticket links and comes with reminders for followed artists.

Updated Playlist Interface

Apple Music now features full-page artwork backgrounds, matching the album or playlist colors. This replaces the separate artwork and the solid white (or black in dark mode) background previously seen in playlists. So now, if an album cover has a gray color, it will be visible on the playlists screen. Sometimes, similar colors like white and black may be used too.

Other apps such as Apple Podcasts and control center have also received updates, with end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging also part of the beta testing. While the beta has been open to developers for a few days now, it is not expected to receive a public release before spring.

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