iOS 27 brings new features to apps like Apple Wallet, Calendar, Notes, Maps, and more. Apple Music adds a variety of improvements too, including five new features outlined below.
#1: Landscape mode
iOS 27 adds support for landscape layouts to many system apps, including Apple Music. The feature will be especially nice on iPhone Duo, but other iPhone models benefit too.
With landscape mode, you can view music artwork alongside playback controls just like in portrait orientation.
More important to me though, lyrics are now available side-by-side with artwork. I’ve found this a great way to enjoy music while my iPhone is docked on a desk or kitchen charger.
#2: AutoMix improvements
AutoMix debuted last year in iOS 26, but Apple has upgraded and expanded it this year in iOS 27.
AutoMix has added a whole new layer of energy and excitement to the experience with even better transitions that feel more immersive and engaging for listeners. AutoMix will also be available on Apple Music in tvOS and on HomePod.
Like my colleague Chance, I’ve definitely found AutoMix transitions improved this year. In iOS 26 I sometimes loved the feature and other times found it frustrating. In iOS 27 so far it’s been almost entirely a positive for me.
#3: New <a href="https://myappsplus.com/fan-site-lets-you-design-the-next-iphone/” title=”Fan Site Lets You 'Design the Next iPhone'”>design for artist pages
Artist pages get a refreshed look in iOS 27, with a design that takes inspiration from iOS 26.4’s updates for albums and playlists.
Like albums, artist pages now have fullscreen color backgrounds that complement their header image. You can see several examples above.
Artist pages also make key controls more convenient to access, and their featured music title is more prominently displayed than before.
#4: Friends playlist
Apple’s roster of weekly-updated ‘Made for You’ playlists expands in iOS 27 with a new Friends playlist. Per Apple’s description:
The best of what your friends are listening to. Updated every Thursday.
The playlist is a convenient new way to get a taste of your friends’ current favorites. Each track shows you which friend is listening to it too.
iOS 27 introduces an extra-large widget size for the first time, and Apple Music takes advantage of it more than any other app.
Apple Music has three new extra-large widgets:
- Recently Played
- Recommendations
- Top Charts
These widgets can be added to your Home Screen or Today view, offering more flexibility in personalizing your iPhone.
Which new Apple Music features in iOS 27 are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments.
Apple Music is available for $11.99/month, or you can get it as part of the Apple One bundle.
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