Apple Music's New Features—They're Genuine Upgrades

At WWDC 2025, Apple unveiled a multitude of new features for Apple Music that I find absolutely exhilarating. Regardless of your allegiance to Apple Music, these new features are undoubtedly compelling enough to warrant a transition.

Apple Unveils New Features for Apple Music

On June 9, 2025, during its WWDC keynote, Apple unveiled the forthcoming main versions of its operating systems, scheduled for release later in the year. The keynote encompassed more than merely operating systems. Apple introduced new functionalities for its services, including four enhancements for Apple Music.

1. Translation of Lyrics

A notable new feature of Apple Music is Lyrics Translation. It is often asserted that music serves as a universal language, and as a someone who appreciates a diverse array of genres from other cultures and languages, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with it. The language barrier has consistently restricted my ability to engage profoundly with music, regardless of whether I am listening to K-pop, reggaeton, or Congolese rhumba, accompanied by elements of French and local dialects.

I frequently need to seek lyric translations online, which has consistently been inconsistent. Apple Music provides real-time translations within the lyrics display with Lyrics Translation. The function is enhanced by its smooth integration into the service. While the music plays, you may track the original lyrics alongside their translation, line by line.

Apple states that Lyrics Translation employs machine learning with supplementary fine-tuning to maintain emotional resonance, cultural context, and lyrical meaning. I have utilized translation programs to interpret lyrics, but they frequently do not adequately convey the context or intended. As a trilingual individual, I frequently see that lyric translations among the three languages are often wrong, uncomfortable, or deficient in nuance.

2. Pronunciation of Lyrics

A forthcoming feature in Apple Music that I am eager to explore is Lyrics Pronunciation. Translation facilitates comprehension of meaning, whereas pronunciation enhances the ability to articulate words accurately.

If you enjoy singing along but frequently struggle with foreign-language lyrics or mispronounce your favorite choruses, Lyrics Pronunciation is invaluable. This is particularly advantageous for individuals with diverse musical preferences, facilitating engagement and confident singing, regardless of language proficiency.

This would be useful for popular genres such as K-pop, J-pop, and Latin music during my shower or while cleaning on a bright Saturday morning.

3. AutoMix

As indicated by its designation, it is an automated function that seamlessly transitions one song into another, akin to a DJ's performance. AutoMix use artificial intelligence to identify the presently playing track and facilitate a smooth transition to the subsequent song.

It resembles Spotify's AI DJ feature; however, the underlying mechanisms are totally different. AutoMix enhances the experience by incorporating distinctive, seamless transitions between tracks, rather than merely building a playlist on the fly. Consequently, you can disregard the uncomfortable pauses and abrupt changes in tempo.

Apple Music logo featuring a robotic DJ in the background

AutoMix provides a genuine DJ-like experience through the integration of beat matching and time stretching in its transitions. You are not only playing another playlist from your library with crossfade.

4. Musical Pins

A notable yet practical enhancement to Apple Music is the capability to pin certain albums, playlists, or artists at the top of your Library. While it may not be as substantial as other innovations, it is a pragmatic enhancement that facilitates daily usage.

If you are like to me, you likely possess several preferred playlists that you frequently listen to, be it a fitness compilation, a soothing nighttime selection, or an assortment from a specific musician. Rather than perusing Recently Added or navigating through Playlists, Artists, Albums, or Songs, you may affix it to the top of your Library for immediate access to your favorites upon opening the tab.

Apple Music's Recent Enhancements Justify Transitioning

The latest features of Apple Music are not only supplementary; they represent significant enhancements that improve our experience in discovering, enjoying, and engaging with music. Lyrics translation and pronunciation serve as an ideal combination for individuals who appreciate music in unfamiliar languages. AutoMix is optimal for those seeking a fluid listening experience that transitions effortlessly between tracks.

As a dedicated Spotify user who occasionally used Apple Music to experience its superior offerings, I appreciate the recent enhancements.

Will these characteristics ultimately compel me to make a permanent switch? The outcome is uncertain at this time.

Apple Music's recent enhancements signify a deliberate transition towards a more internationally conscious and user-focused auditory experience. Although these new features are exhilarating, they are not yet accessible. Fortunately, the delay will be brief as Apple intends to release them this fall in conjunction with iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26.