Apple is preparing to introduce an AI playlist generator inside Apple Music, expanding its push into personalized listening tools. The feature, called Playlist Playground, is currently available in the iOS 26.4 beta and allows users to generate playlists using text prompts directly within the Apple Music app.
The move places Apple Music more squarely alongside competitors such as Spotify and YouTube Music, both of which already offer AI-driven playlist generation. Rather than relying solely on algorithmic recommendations or curated editorial lists, Playlist Playground lets users describe what they want to hear and receive a tailored playlist in response.
To access Playlist Playground right now, users must install the iOS 26.4 developer beta. As with any beta software, this carries risks. Pre-release versions of iOS can introduce bugs, performance issues, or compatibility problems, and are generally not recommended for primary devices. Backing up your iPhone before installing test software is essential if you plan to experiment with early features.
Once running iOS 26.4, users can open Apple Music, navigate to the Library tab, and tap “New Playlist.” If the device supports Apple Intelligence and the feature is available in the user’s region, Playlist Playground appears as an option. Regional restrictions and hardware requirements may limit availability during the initial rollout.
Using the tool is straightforward. Users enter a prompt describing a mood, genre, activity, artist, or concept. Apple provides sample prompts such as “hip-hop party songs,” but custom text is supported. The system generates a default playlist of 25 tracks, which can then be edited. Users can change the title, adjust the cover art, modify the description, and add or remove songs before sharing the playlist publicly or keeping it private.
In practical terms, Playlist Playground builds on Apple Music’s existing recommendation systems and AI DJ-style features. It does not fundamentally alter how music is licensed or distributed, but it changes how discovery happens. Instead of browsing categories or relying on pre-made mixes, listeners can describe what they want in natural language and let the system interpret it.
For those unwilling to install beta software, alternatives remain. Apple Music already integrates with tools like ChatGPTfor playlist generation, and third-party apps such as PlaylistAI offer similar functionality, including themed prompts and playlist creation based on external inputs like festival lineups.
The broader trend is clear: AI playlist generators are becoming standard features across streaming platforms. Apple Music’s Playlist Playground reflects that shift, offering a more conversational way to build playlists. Whether it meaningfully improves discovery or simply adds another layer of automation will depend on how accurately the AI interprets user intent—and how much control listeners want to retain over their music libraries.
