iOS 26 did not impress me, however this Apple Music function received me over

Abstract

AutoMix in Apple Music makes use of AI to mix songs like a DJ and provides smoother transitions between tracks.
Regardless of being labeled an AI function, AutoMix will likely be out there on all iOS 26-compatible iPhones later this 12 months.
Whereas AutoMix is a standout iOS 26 function, it’s unlikely Apple will deliver it to Android gadgets anytime quickly.

Apple lastly refreshed the design language of all its working techniques, together with iOS, at WWDC 2025. The corporate unveiled its new Liquid Glass design, introducing a visible theme with transparency and glass-like shine results. However that wasn’t all — iOS 26 additionally comes packed with new features beneath the hood, together with upgrades to the Messages app, a redesigned Telephone app, and a set of latest Apple Intelligence options.

I have been utilizing the iOS 26 beta for fairly a while now, and whereas I anticipated the brand new design and flashy options to impress me, particularly since I’ve lengthy wished a design refresh on my iPhone, iOS 26 has didn’t wow me thus far. The early construct is riddled with bugs and fairly unstable, which is to be anticipated from a beta, however I hope Apple improves issues in upcoming developer releases.

That stated, one function that is saved me hooked on the brand new iOS model is surprisingly discovered within the Apple Music app, and it is known as AutoMix. Apple demoed the function briefly through the keynote, however I didn’t pay a lot consideration to it on the time. After making an attempt it on my iPhone, although, I might say it is in all probability the most effective iOS 26 function thus far.

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AutoMix in Apple Music is iOS 26’s standout function

It is like having an AI DJ in your pocket

Tune transitions are one of the vital missed points of music apps. Most apps like YouTube Music and Spotify provide fundamental options like gapless playback, the place songs instantly swap with out pause, and crossfade, which fades out one monitor whereas fading within the subsequent.

With iOS 26, Apple has launched a brand new function within the Music app that modifications this. It is an AI-powered software known as AutoMix, which makes use of AI to match the beat of the upcoming monitor and blends it with the at the moment enjoying tune on the good second, very similar to a DJ would. Whereas it might sound easy, experiencing it firsthand is one thing else.

As seen within the video above, AutoMix works fairly otherwise in comparison with crossfade. Sure, you’ll sacrifice the final 15–20 seconds of the present tune, however the easy transition to the following monitor creates a surprisingly immersive expertise.

I have been utilizing this function on my iPhone ever since putting in iOS 26. Whereas there are some bugs, and AutoMix doesn’t kick in each single time, when it does, it genuinely provides me chills.

Apple Music and its app icon on an iPhone.

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How are you going to attempt AutoMix in Apple Music proper now?

You will want iOS 26 and a suitable iPhone to attempt it

Sadly, since AutoMix is a part of the brand new Apple Music options introduced with iOS 26, the one strategy to attempt it proper now’s by putting in the Developer Beta. Nonetheless, the beta remains to be fairly buggy, and I would not suggest putting in it in your main system. Apple is predicted to launch a public beta of iOS 26 quickly, which must be extra secure, so you might wish to attempt it then.

The beauty of AutoMix, although, is that though Apple advertises it as an “AI” function, it is not restricted to solely iPhones that assist Apple Intelligence (iPhone 16 series and iPhone 15 Professional). AutoMix will likely be out there on all iOS 26-compatible iPhones when the replace launches in its secure model later this 12 months.

If you happen to’re operating a beta proper now and wish to attempt AutoMix, right here’s tips on how to allow it in your iPhone:

Open the Settings app.
Scroll down, faucet Apps, then head to Music.
Faucet Tune Transitions and choose AutoMix.

Now, if you play music in your iPhone and a monitor is queued, your iPhone will seamlessly combine into the following one, identical to a DJ.

Some customers on Reddit have reported that AutoMix would not work with Dolby Atmos enabled, which I can affirm. You will must disable Dolby Atmos and in addition flip off EQ within the Apple Music settings to make use of this function.

With each iOS replace, Apple brings new options to its first-party apps, and though AutoMix did not get a lot hype initially, it seems like a kind of underrated options that might truly entice extra subscribers to Apple Music. There is no phrase but on whether or not it can come to Android gadgets, because the Apple Music app is on the market on Google’s OS, however I doubt it.