Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
Apple Music users have often watched Spotify take the lead when it comes to innovative features and personalized listening experiences. But with the introduction of the new AutoMix feature, Apple Music may finally be closing the gap — and even setting a new standard of its own.
Also: How to install iOS 26 beta on your iPhone (and which models support it)
What is AutoMix in Apple Music?
At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last week, the company unveiled upgrades to Apple Music, including the ability to pin artists to the top of the display menu, AI-powered lyrics translation, the lyrics pronunciation option, animated cover art on your lock screen, and an AutoMix feature that’s taking the internet by storm.
As seen in the video above, AutoMix seamlessly transitions between songs, using AI to match the tempo and beat of the upcoming track, which is automatically selected using Autoplay. Apple describes it in Settings as “songs transition at the perfect moment, based on analysis of the key and tempo of the music.”
Also: ZDNET’s WWDC 2025 recap with Sabrina Ortiz and Jason Hiner
The feature builds on the previously available Crossfade option, which enabled smoother transitions between songs but did not mix the two songs together the way a DJ would. While Spotify users may be quick to point out that they had an AI DJ first, it’s worth noting the differences. Spotify’s AI DJ includes a narrated experience that guides listeners through tracks, placing less emphasis on seamless transitions and more on commentary and curation..
How to access AutoMix in iOS 26
Sabrina Ortiz/ZDNET
The iOS 26 update doesn’t launch until the fall. As a result, to access AutoMix now, you have to install the developer beta. The beta gives users access to all of the latest features available in iOS 26, but since the features are not fully developed, you risk your device not performing at optimized efficiency and the features being buggy.
Also: Spotify now lets you create an AI-made playlist with just a text prompt
The beta version of the AutoMix feature, in particular, is pretty great, as seen in the video above and in my own experience. However, it is not representative of what the final experience will be, as Apple will likely iterate on the feature a couple of times before launching.
If you are interested in downloading the developer beta, you can visit ZDNET’s guide with step-by-step instructions. Once you have it downloaded, accessing AutoMix is easy. The steps are: click on Settings, Apps, Music, and Song Transitions. After toggling Song Transitions on, you can select AutoMix, and you are set. Alternatively, you can type “AutoMix” in the search bar in settings, toggle Song Transitions on, and tap AutoMix.
Which iPhones are compatible with iOS 26?
Apple removed the iPhone XR and XS from its list of supported devices with iOS 26, so any iPhone 11 or newer is compatible with the new operating system, including the iPhone SE.
You can keep up with my latest stories and tech adventures on social media. Follow me on Twitter/X at @sabrinaa_ortiz and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sabrinaa.ortiz/.
