Apple Music’s Potential Leap into AI-Generated Playlists with iOS 27
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into music streaming services has revolutionized how listeners discover and enjoy music. Platforms like YouTube Music and Spotify have already embraced AI-driven playlist creation, offering users personalized and dynamic listening experiences. As the industry evolves, speculation arises about whether Apple Music will introduce similar AI-powered features in its upcoming iOS 27 update.
YouTube Music’s AI Playlist Innovation
In February 2026, YouTube Music unveiled an AI playlist feature for its Premium subscribers. This functionality allows users to generate personalized playlists by inputting a mood, genre, or specific idea. Accessible through the Library section of the app, users can type prompts such as relaxing acoustic songs or energetic workout tracks, and the AI curates a tailored playlist accordingly. This advancement underscores YouTube Music’s commitment to enhancing user engagement through AI technology.
Spotify’s Expansion into AI-Driven Playlists
Similarly, in January 2026, Spotify expanded its Prompted Playlist feature, enabling Premium users to create playlists based on text-based requests. By analyzing listening history, current trends, and charts, Spotify’s AI generates song suggestions that align with user-defined parameters. For instance, a user might request high-energy pop and hip-hop for a 30-minute 5K run, and the AI crafts a playlist that transitions from upbeat tracks to relaxing songs for a cool-down. This feature exemplifies Spotify’s dedication to providing personalized and adaptive listening experiences.
Amazon Music’s Maestro Feature
Since 2024, Amazon Music has offered Maestro, a feature that enables users to build playlists using text-based prompts and emoji characters. This functionality allows for creative and personalized playlist creation, catering to a wide range of user preferences and moods.
Apple Music’s Current Position and Future Prospects
Apple Music has long utilized AI to generate custom For You playlists, offering users curated selections based on their listening habits. However, the platform currently lacks a feature that allows users to create playlists through direct text prompts. In June 2025, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported that Apple was working on an Apple Music reboot focused around AI. While features like AutoMix, which seamlessly transitions between songs, and updated lyrics translation have been introduced, the ability to generate AI-driven playlists remains absent.
With the anticipated release of iOS 27, there is speculation that Apple may integrate more AI features into Apple Music. Given the trend among major streaming services to offer prompt-based AI playlist creation, it is plausible that Apple will follow suit to remain competitive in the market.
Interim Solutions: ChatGPT Integration
In the meantime, Apple Music users can leverage ChatGPT to generate playlists. ChatGPT integrates with Apple Music, allowing users to make music recommendations and create playlists based on user prompts. While ChatGPT can search the Apple Music catalog, it does not have access to users’ listening history, which limits the personalization of playlist suggestions. Additionally, playlists created through ChatGPT need to be manually added to Apple Music.
Conclusion
As AI continues to permeate the music streaming industry, Apple Music’s potential adoption of AI-generated playlists in iOS 27 could significantly enhance user experience. By offering personalized, prompt-based playlist creation, Apple would align itself with competitors and meet the growing demand for AI-driven music curation. While official announcements are pending, the integration of such features would mark a substantial advancement in Apple Music’s service offerings.
