Apple working on AI-powered Apple Music overhaul to possibly include DJ functionality

Apple is working on an AI-focused reboot of Apple Music, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who revealed the development during a Discord chat over the weekend. The overhaul represents Apple’s effort to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply into its music streaming service, though the company has not provided a release timeline and won’t discuss it at this week’s WWDC event.

What you should know: The AI reboot could transform how users discover and interact with music on Apple’s platform, potentially incorporating features similar to competitors like Spotify.
• Possible AI features include AI-generated playlists and an “AI DJ” functionality, though these remain speculative based on industry trends rather than confirmed Apple plans.
• Gurman, a Bloomberg reporter who covers Apple, provided no additional details about specific features or capabilities beyond confirming the project’s existence.
• Apple has no estimated release date for the AI-powered Apple Music reboot.

What’s coming sooner: Apple Music will receive visual enhancements in the near term that don’t require the full AI overhaul.
• iOS 26 is expected to introduce support for full-screen animated album art on the Lock Screen.
• Currently, the Now Playing view only tints the Lock Screen based on album art colors, but the upcoming update could display much larger album artwork.
• These visual improvements are expected to be previewed at WWDC this week.

The competitive context: Apple’s move follows similar AI integrations by streaming rivals, particularly Spotify’s AI-powered features.
• Spotify has already implemented AI DJ functionality and personalized playlist generation, setting a benchmark for AI-enhanced music discovery.
• The timing suggests Apple recognizes the need to match competitors’ AI capabilities to maintain its position in the streaming market.