Apple Music's New AutoMix Feature Arrives in iOS 26 Beta: Here’s How to Try It on Your iPhone

Apple Music users have long observed Spotify taking the lead in introducing innovative features and personalized listening experiences. However, with the new AutoMix feature, Apple Music is poised to close this gap and potentially set a new standard. At the Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) last week, Apple unveiled several upgrades to Apple Music, among them the ability to pin artists to the top of the display menu, AI-powered lyrics translation, lyrics pronunciation, animated cover art on the lock screen, and the highly anticipated AutoMix feature. AutoMix is a game-changer in the music streaming world. It uses artificial intelligence to seamlessly blend one song into another, transitioning at the optimal moment based on the analysis of the key and tempo. As seen in the video above, the technology ensures smooth and harmonious transitions, similar to those created by a skilled DJ. This feature builds on the existing Crossfade option, which allowed for smoother transitions but did not mix the songs together as AutoMix does. Spotify introduced an AI DJ feature earlier, which includes a narrated experience guiding listeners through tracks. However, Apple's AutoMix focuses more on creating a continuous, seamless listening experience without the added narration. The iOS 26 update, slated to launch in the fall, is where the AutoMix feature will be officially available. Currently, if you want to try it out, you need to install the developer beta version of iOS 26. While the beta provides early access to all the latest features, it's important to note that these are still under development and may not be fully optimized, leading to potential bugs and performance issues. Despite the risks, my personal experience with the beta version of AutoMix has been quite positive, as shown in the video above. However, it is worth keeping in mind that Apple will likely make several iterations to refine the feature before its official release. If you're keen on trying the AutoMix feature now, ZDNET's guide offers step-by-step instructions to download the developer beta. Once you have the beta installed, accessing AutoMix is straightforward. Here’s how: Open the Settings app. Navigate to Apps, then Music. Select Song Transitions. Toggle Song Transitions on. Choose AutoMix. Alternatively, you can simply type "AutoMix" in the Settings search bar, toggle Song Transitions on, and select AutoMix. When considering the compatibility of iOS 26, it's important to note that Apple has discontinued support for the iPhone XR and XS. Any iPhone model from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the iPhone SE, is compatible with the new operating system. For more insights into the latest tech trends and my personal tech adventures, follow me on Twitter/X at @sabrinaa_ortiz and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sabrinaa.ortiz/.