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With iOS 26.4, Apple is testing a new feature in Apple Music that significantly simplifies playlist creation. The so-called "Playlist Playground" automatically generates a complete playlist based on a text description. Instead of manually compiling songs, a description of mood, genre, or occasion is all that's needed.
Playlists are a core feature of Apple Music. They organize music collections, accompany specific situations, and reflect personal preferences. With iOS 26.4, Apple takes this a step further and integrates a feature that automates this process.
The "Playlist Playground" aims to reduce effort while simultaneously opening up creative possibilities. Instead of selecting individual tracks, a playlist is created directly from an idea in text form.
Playlists based on text specifications
With iOS 26.4, the Apple Music app introduces a new playlist creation option. Users can enter any idea, and the app will automatically generate suitable song suggestions. Apple provides several preset examples, including:
- Morning coffee music
- Hip-hop party songs
- Disco songs that defined the 1970s
In addition to these examples, you can enter any mood, feeling, or freely chosen theme. The system processes this text input and creates a playlist from it.
Automatic generation of 25 songs including titles
After entering the description, the "Playlist Playground" automatically generates:
- A list of 25 songs
- A custom-generated playlist title
The playlist is created directly within the app. The generated playlist can then be further edited.
Customization options and personalization
The automatically generated playlist is not final. Additional text can be added to further customize the selection. This allows you to refine the mood or change the musical direction. Furthermore, the following options are available:
- Choosing a cover
- Add a description
This means that the playlist does not differ visually or in terms of content from regularly created playlists.
Accessing the "Playlist Playground" in iOS 26.4
The "Playlist Playground" is currently only available in the beta version of iOS 26.4. To use the feature, follow these steps within the Apple Music app:
- Open Apple Music
- Tap on "Media Library"
- Tap the "+" button to create a new playlist.
Note: If the new option doesn't appear in the Music app after updating to iOS 26.4, Apple Intelligence models are likely still loading in the background. You can check the status in the Settings app under "Apple Intelligence & Siri". Also, please note that this feature is not currently available to all beta users.
Sharing and profile integration
Playlists created with the "Playlist Playground" behave like standard playlists. You can:
- be shared
- Displayed in your own profile
This means that all familiar functions related to publishing and sharing will be retained.
Availability and release of iOS 26.4
iOS 26.4 is currently restricted to developers. Apple is testing the update at this stage before a wider release. A public beta version is likely to be made available soon. The final version of iOS 26.4 is expected to be released in the spring.
Playlist Playground: New features in Apple Music
iOS 26.4 adds an automated playlist creation feature to Apple Music. The "Playlist Playground" generates a playlist with 25 songs and a matching title based on a text description. Customization options such as adding further text and setting cover art and descriptions remain available. The feature is currently part of the developer beta and is expected to be available to all users this spring. (Image: Apple)
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