iOS 18 information has just been released, and with it a lot of exciting changes. So, how will these new iOS 18 features change how you interact with Apple Music on your devices?
iOS 18 Release Date
First thing first. While the official details about iOS 18 have been already spread worldwide, currently, this system update is accessible only in the beta version. You can register to use it on the official Apple website. The official release of iOS 18 is anticipated for this fall, though the exact date remains unconfirmed. It is speculated to be available on either September 9th, 16th, or 23rd.
Apple Music improvement in iOS 18
Accessibility - Music Haptics
One of the most significant and long-awaited enhancements to the Apple Music experience is the introduction of Music Haptics. This feature, utilizing the Taptic Engine, synchronizes with the song's rhythm, providing a whole new dimension to your music experience.
Particularly for those with hearing loss or who are hard of hearing, this feature will make listening to their Apple Music catalog a much more immersive and enjoyable experience.
Updated Queue Management
Apple Music is renowned for its features, but when it comes to the Queue feature, it's been lagging behind Spotify. However, Apple Music is stepping up its game with the updated queue system in iOS 18. No more ‘play next’ or ‘play last’ limitations.
Now, you can create a queue within a queue, giving you more control over your music-listening experience. So, say you want to add three new songs to the current queue; instead of limitations, it will simply play the songs in the order you add them.
It will feel and behave a lot more like the Android version of the app, and for those who are using the iOS 18 beta - reports are mostly positive.
For many people, this is new.
However, it is a throwback to how the queue behaved in iOS 9.
SharePlay - Better For Everyone
Apple Music SharePlay is getting a much-needed upgrade, too. Only people with Apple Music can currently add to the queue using SharePlay.
The iOS 18 update doesn't require a subscription, meaning anyone can control the queue on Apple TV, HomePod, and Bluetooth speakers. Thus, iOS 18 supported devices list is getting bigger. It is a great feature for the social gatherings, when you can enjoy the music with your family and friends.
Home Screen
Now, your home screen can be as cool as you are. With even more personalization options, you can place widgets where you want them.
That won’t be exclusive to Apple Music widgets; you can put any of your streaming services where you want them.
Control Center - Deeper Personalization
With the iOS 18 update to the control center, accessing your music will be easier than ever. Using continuous swipes, you’ll be able to flick your thumb and get to what you need.
You’ll also be able to resize your controls, so if music is what you want big and first, you can arrange the control center to meet your needs.
As well as that ease of use, the app icons can be personalized too. Dark mode with red colorway anyone?
AirPods
While it is not entirely music-focused, how you use your AirPods will also be upgraded. You can shake or nod your head, and Siri will follow that instruction.
Apple Music Spatial Audio has been available for listening to music, but now it is expanding so that the music we listen to as we play games is equally immersive. And if you still don't know how to squeeze the most from the headphones, check our comparison of the best noice-cancelling headphones in 2024.
Lossless Skip? Don't know her.
Some users have been experiencing an undesirable issue when listening to music in a lossless format.
Current Reddit users on the iOS 18 beta report that the lossless skip is fixed. Although not everyone has the issue, this is a huge deal for those who have been.
Press Play - No delay
Not only has there been a beat skip while using lossless, but in some cases, there is a delay between pressing play in Apple Music and the music playing. Beta users report that the delay is shorter—not significantly, but enough to notice the difference.
Fuzzy Logic Search
This is a great change if you have ever made a typo while searching for a song and been presented with no results. Jeeyharrid, a Reddit user shared an Apple Music search with a typo - and was given the right result, plus more choices that could match. And it is the potential matches that make the difference.
Passthrough
Audio passthrough is important for getting the most from your listening experience. Essentially, it means that the signal will pass through unaltered, so you will get the music exactly as you should. iOS 18 beta user TimmyGUNZ reported that macOS Sequoia now includes Dolby Atmos / Dolby Audio Passthrough.
Features that people are hoping for include:
While Apple Music has a crossfade, it is not the best. In theory, smart crossfade would select the best place in an outro to work in the intro of the next song—which would work well for songs that have an abrupt ending. There are rumors aboiut 'smart song transition' so we could still see this happen.
Many users want a sleep timer for podcasts; while there is a solution to the Apple Music sleep timer, it is still clunkier than having it built in.
Apple users are calling for the ability to like radio stations. While you can do this with ShortCuts, like the sleep timer, it isn’t native and requires extra work.
Custom Equalizers are something that Spotify subscribers love because it offers a deeper control of the listening experience. Apple Music’s equalizer leaves a lot to be desired.
Switch to Apple Music
As music streaming services become increasingly popular, the demand for better features grows in tandem. Many users are considering whether switching their music platform is worth it and how to make the change. Luckily, modern technology makes this transition swift and efficient. The improved Apple Music experience in iOS 18 could be a key factor in deciding to switch from your current service to Apple Music. With Spotify's recent subscription price increase and fewer audio quality options, Apple Music clearly stands out. If you're thinking about moving from one streaming platform to another, don't hesitate to use the FreeYourMusic app, which seamlessly transfers your music across different services.
