Apple Music introduced iOS 26 recently, and unlike previous updates, this one appears to have various new features. All of which, are proving to be quite popular. From animated lock screen artwork advances, to playlist folders and pinned music libraries.
Animated lock screen graphics
Previously, Apple introduced animated artwork. This meant that when you were listening to albums, the artwork would be reactive and move when you tilted your phone. However, it wasn’t completely impressive due to the limitations.
Many people listen to music with their phone locked. Whether they’re on their commute, or listening within a quiet setting like a library etc. It isn’t the norm to leave your device unlocked while you’re listening to music.
Apple’s animated artwork, only seemed to work if you were on the app itself and actually looking at the artwork with your phone unlocked. They’ve now made a change which means users can see dynamic artwork while their phone is locked.
The artwork will appear full screen and be animated while your phone is locked. Currently, not every album within Apple Music has this feature, but, even those that aren’t animated will look powerful on the full screen mode.
Playlist folder
Before now, you weren’t able to alter your music folders unless you were on a Mac. This meant that only those who had the Apple PC device were able to sort their playlists into folders, therefore putting limitations on who could use the feature.
It was frustrating even for those with Macs, as they would still need to head over to their laptop or desktop to be able to edit their folders, rather than being able to access it through their other Apple devices. Most of us use our smartphones for everything now.
However, Apple took feedback onboard and introduced full folder support to both iPhone and iPad devices. This will allow all Apple users the same opportunities to sort their music and move it between folders without any extra hassle.
Pinned music within libraries
Also introduced in the iOS 26 update is a feature allowing Apple Music users the chance to pin playlists. Users can pin up to six albums, playlists, artists or songs within their library, and it gives them an easy way of accessing them quickly.
As you can only have six pins, you will need to be selective with your favourite playlists or albums, however, you are able to change these, so why not swap things in and out with the seasons? It’s arguably going to be one of the most beneficial new features.
