Apple's latest 5.0 beta version of Apple Music incorporates exclusive iOS 26 features for Android devices
Apple Music for Android is stepping into the future with the release of version 5.0.0 beta, mirroring the upcoming iOS 26 update. This new version brings a host of exciting features and design changes to the Android platform.
One of the most notable additions is the introduction of pill-shaped buttons, replacing the previous rounded rectangles in various controls such as shuffle, repeat, autoplay, and album Play/Shuffle buttons. However, it's important to note that this update does not include the iOS Liquid Glass redesign or changes to the bottom bar and Now Playing controls.
Key new features include:
- Pin Music to Your Library: This innovative feature allows users to pin their most frequently played songs, albums, playlists, or artists to the top of the Library for effortless access. Pinning is accessible through overflow menus and syncs across Apple devices. Users can customise the tap action (Go to Album, Play, Shuffle) via a long press in the Library tab, and they can also choose whether pinned items automatically download, with an option to disable this feature in Settings.
- Lyrics Translation & Pronunciation: This feature provides language support for song lyrics, enabling users to understand and sing along accurately across various languages.
- Replay in the App: With this update, users can easily view their monthly and year-end listening stats directly within the app.
The homescreen widgets remain unchanged in this update. This beta offers Android users an early taste of the iOS 26 Apple Music features, albeit without the full design overhaul seen on iOS.
Interested users can join the beta testing program to experience the new version firsthand. In summary, the 5.0.0 beta focuses on usability enhancements like pinning music and lyric translations combined with refreshed button designs but falls short of the complete iOS 26 UI redesign.
[1] https://www.apple.com/apple-music/ [2] https://www.apple.com/ios/ios-16-preview/ [3] https://developer.apple.com/ios/ios-16-preview/ [4] https://www.apple.com/android/apple-music/
- With this updated version of Apple Music for Android, users can now pin their most frequently played songs or artists to the top of their library for quick access, similar to the functionality on smartphones that use iOS 26, making music navigation more seamless.
- Another exciting feature included in the Android version 5.0.0 beta is the provision for lyrics translation and pronunciation across multiple languages, allowing smartphone owners to enjoy karaoke-style singing in a variety of tongues.
