Apple Music in iOS 26.4 Gets Major Design Overhaul with Fullscreen Album/Playlist Views

Apple has unveiled a significant redesign of its Music app in iOS 26.4 beta 1, introducing a fresh fullscreen experience for albums and playlists alongside new concert discovery features. The update, which began rolling out to developers today, represents one of the most substantial visual changes to Apple Music in recent years.

Fullscreen Album and Playlist Experience

The most noticeable change in iOS 26.4's Music app is the new fullscreen design for albums and playlists. When users navigate to an album or playlist, they'll encounter an immersive interface where the track list adopts a background color that complements the artwork. This isn't a simple color extraction from the album art—Apple has implemented a more sophisticated approach that pairs well with and evokes the artwork's overall aesthetic.

This design choice creates a more cohesive and visually appealing experience, as the background color dynamically shifts to match different albums and playlists. The effect is particularly striking when browsing through diverse music collections, as each album or playlist gets its own unique visual treatment that enhances the artwork rather than competing with it.

Concert Discovery Integration

Beyond the visual redesign, Apple is integrating concert discovery directly into the Music app. Users can now find shows in their area and view tour dates for artists they love without leaving the app. This feature addresses a common pain point for music fans who previously had to switch between multiple apps to discover and track concerts.

The concert information appears to be location-aware, suggesting that Apple is leveraging user data to provide relevant local show recommendations. This integration could significantly enhance the Music app's utility, transforming it from a pure listening platform into a more comprehensive music discovery and engagement tool.

Redesigned Profile Screen

iOS 26.4 also introduces a redesigned Profile screen that's consistent across multiple system apps, including Music, Podcasts, and TV. This unified approach to user profiles creates a more cohesive experience throughout Apple's entertainment ecosystem.

The new Profile screen includes convenient shortcuts related to Apple Account management. Users can quickly add funds to their account or redeem Apple gift cards and app codes directly from this centralized location. This streamlining of account-related functions makes it easier for users to manage their Apple services without navigating through multiple menus.

Design Philosophy and User Experience

The fullscreen design approach represents a shift toward more immersive content consumption within Apple's apps. By removing visual clutter and focusing on the artwork and music, Apple is creating a more engaging experience that puts the content front and center.

The dynamic color matching system demonstrates Apple's attention to detail and commitment to creating polished user experiences. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach, the system adapts to each piece of content, creating a personalized feel even within a standardized interface.

Availability and Pricing

Apple Music continues to be available for $10.99 per month for individual subscriptions, or as part of the Apple One bundle for users who subscribe to multiple Apple services. The iOS 26.4 beta is currently available to developers, with a public beta expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Developer and User Implications

For developers building music-related apps or integrating with Apple Music, these changes may require updates to ensure compatibility with the new fullscreen design patterns. The consistent Profile screen across multiple apps also suggests Apple is moving toward more unified design systems across its software ecosystem.

Users can expect a more visually rich and functional Music app experience once iOS 26.4 rolls out to the public. The combination of aesthetic improvements and practical features like concert discovery could make Apple Music an even more compelling choice in the competitive streaming music market.

What do you think of the new design for albums and playlists in iOS 26.4's Music app? The changes represent Apple's ongoing effort to refine and enhance its core apps, balancing visual appeal with functional improvements that make the Music app more useful for everyday listening and music discovery.