Apple has introduced a new AI-powered feature to Apple Music with the beta release of iOS 26.4: “Playlist Playground.” This tool allows users to generate custom playlists instantly using simple text prompts, marking a significant step forward in how subscribers discover and curate music on Apple’s streaming service. Playlist Playground leverages Apple Intelligence to interpret natural language descriptions and automatically build tailored playlists. Instead of manually searching for songs or relying solely on algorithmic recommendations, users can describe exactly what they want — whether it’s a specific mood, activity, genre, era, or creative concept — and let the system do the work. Apple provides several pre-set prompt examples to get users started, such as: However, the real power lies in custom inputs. Users can enter virtually any idea, vibe, or scenario, and Apple Music will respond by generating a ready-to-play playlist of 25 songs, complete with an automatically created custom title. How to Use Playlist Playground Accessing the feature is straightforward in the Apple Music app on iOS 26.4:
If the Playlist Playground option doesn’t appear immediately, try restarting the app or your device, as some users have reported this helps load the feature (particularly since it ties into Apple Intelligence downloads after the beta update). Once activated, enter your text prompt. The system quickly generates the playlist. From there, you can: • Refine it further by adding more text prompts (e.g., “make it more upbeat” or “add more 80s synth”). The generated playlists integrate seamlessly into your library and can be enjoyed across devices. This feature arrives as part of the iOS 26.4 beta, initially available to developers as of February 16, 2026, with a public beta following shortly after. The full release is expected in spring 2026. Playlist Playground is one of several enhancements coming to Apple Music in this update, including redesigned full-page animated artwork for albums and playlists, highlights for upcoming concerts near you, and other refinements. It represents Apple’s push to bring more generative AI capabilities directly into its core apps, building on the Apple Intelligence framework introduced in previous updates. While rivals like Spotify have offered AI-driven playlist tools for some time, Playlist Playground gives Apple Music users a native, integrated experience without needing third-party workarounds (such as generating lists via ChatGPT and importing them). In an era where personalized music discovery is key to retaining subscribers, Playlist Playground makes curation faster, more intuitive, and fun. Whether you’re looking for background tunes for work, a party vibe, nostalgic throwbacks, or something entirely unique, the feature promises to spark new listening experiences with minimal effort. As the beta rolls out and feedback comes in, expect refinements before the spring launch. For now, developers and public beta participants can try it out and see how Apple Intelligence transforms playlist creation in Apple Music. MacDailyNews Take: Beats Music is finally made whole. Beats Music (launched in January 2014) featured a standout tool called “The Sentence”, which allowed users to generate custom playlists by constructing descriptive phrases in a Mad Libs-style format. Users would fill in blanks for elements like location, mood/feeling, who they were with (or a person/group vibe), and music genre or era — for example: • “I’m at my computer & feel like going back in time with my inner child to vintage soul & funk” This would trigger an algorithm (powered by human-curated content and filters) to create a tailored, shuffle-style playlist. It combined mood/context-based track selection with Pandora-like streaming discovery, and it was widely praised as a fun, innovative way to find music without manual searching. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Apple Music tests new AI ‘Playlist Playground’ feature appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
|
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Apple Music tests new AI ‘Playlist Playground’ feature
End of an era: Apple’s tvOS 26.4 removes standalone iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps from Apple TV
In Apple’s upcoming tvOS 26.4 update the dedicated iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Shows apps will be fully removed from Apple TV devices, marking the final chapter in the long phase-out of legacy iTunes branding for video content. The change, first spotted in the tvOS 26.4 developer beta released on February 16, 2026, consolidates all movie and TV show purchasing, renting, and viewing exclusively within the unified Apple TV app. Apple has been gradually migrating users to this single hub since late 2023, when the apps began redirecting purchases to the Apple TV app on tvOS 17.2, iOS 17.2, and iPadOS 17.2. “Apple has been working to consolidate all movie and TV show viewing and buying to the TV app, so it’s all in one place,” the company stated in explaining the shift. No Loss of Access to Purchased Content Importantly, the removal does not affect users’ ability to access or play previously purchased or rented movies and TV shows. All owned content remains fully available and playable directly in the Apple TV app, with libraries intact and no migration required for existing purchases. The standalone iTunes apps had lingered on Apple TV devices primarily to guide users during the transition and to provide continued access to iTunes Wish Lists for movies and TV shows. However, Apple recently began winding down wish lists entirely, sending emails to affected users warning that the feature would soon disappear and providing links to migrate individual items to the Apple TV app’s Watchlist feature. Some users with extensive wish lists have expressed frustration over the need to manually migrate each item one by one via the emailed links. Additional Changes in tvOS 26.4 Beyond the app removals, tvOS 26.4 introduces enhancements to audio handling: • The Dolby Atmos immersive audio option in settings has been replaced with Spatial Audio. These audio improvements appear designed to deliver a more reliable and flexible listening experience across home theater setups. The tvOS 26.4 beta is currently available to developers and public beta testers. Apple has indicated a full public release is planned for spring 2026, likely in March or April, following the typical beta testing cycle. MacDailyNews Take: This update with the removal of the iTunes Movies and TV apps represents the latest step in Apple’s years-long effort to retire the iTunes brand for video content (following music in 2019), streamlining the experience for Apple TV users while reinforcing the central role of the Apple TV app in the ecosystem. Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post End of an era: Apple’s tvOS 26.4 removes standalone iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps from Apple TV appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
|
Toyota rolls out digital car keys on Apple iPhone
Toyota is rolling out support for Apple Wallet car keys, allowing iPhone and Apple Watch users to lock, unlock, and start select vehicles without a traditional key fob. The feature, first introduced by Apple in 2020, is now available on certain trims of the 2026 Toyota RAV4 in the United States, marking Toyota’s entry into Apple’s digital car key ecosystem. The rollout was initially spotted by owners on social media platforms like Reddit, where a 2026 RAV4 owner confirmed the functionality in the Apple Wallet app. Reports from tech outlets such as MacRumors, 9to5Mac, and AppleInsider have verified the development, noting that Toyota’s implementation leverages Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology. This enables passive entry: users can approach the vehicle with their iPhone in their pocket or Apple Watch on their wrist, open the door, and start the engine seamlessly. Apple’s Car Key feature, accessible via the Wallet app on compatible devices, supports secure sharing of keys with family or friends and includes conveniences like remote locking/unlocking in some cases. For Toyota vehicles, the system also benefits from Power Reserve, allowing access even if the iPhone battery dies (via a low-power NFC mode). To use the feature, owners need: • An iPhone 11 or newer (excluding iPhone SE models for full UWB passive entry) or an Apple Watch Series 6 or later. Currently, support appears limited to select trims of the 2026 Toyota RAV4, with no confirmation yet on expansion to other 2026 Toyota models like the Camry, Corolla, or Highlander. Toyota’s official website lists the capability in the RAV4 specifications, suggesting broader availability may follow. This move aligns with Apple’s ongoing efforts to expand Car Key compatibility, which already includes brands such as Audi, BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and others. Toyota’s addition broadens options for the millions of iPhone users who own or are considering Toyota vehicles, particularly the popular RAV4 SUV. The development follows earlier indications late last year that Toyota had been added to Apple’s backend support database, paving the way for this launch. Owners of eligible 2026 RAV4 models can check compatibility directly in the Wallet app or contact their dealership for setup instructions. As automakers continue integrating with smartphone ecosystems, features like digital car keys are becoming a standard convenience, blending security, ease of use, and reduced reliance on physical fobs. Toyota’s rollout represents a significant step for the brand in embracing Apple-centric connectivity for its U.S. customers. MacDailyNews Take: Welcome, Toyota! Support MacDailyNews at no extra cost to you by using this link to shop at Amazon. The post Toyota rolls out digital car keys on Apple iPhone appeared first on MacDailyNews. You're currently a free subscriber to MacDailyNews. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
|
Apple Music tests new AI ‘Playlist Playground’ feature
Apple has introduced a new AI-powered feature to Apple Music with the beta release of iOS 26.4: “Playlist Playground.” This tool allows user...
-
Substack is covering the cost of your first paid month of MacDailyNews by MacDailyNews. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ...
-
Thank you for reading MacDailyNews. As a token of our appreciation, we're offering you a limited-time offer of 20% off a paid subscript...
-
Apple, aiming push more urgently into the smart home market, is said to be nearing the launch of a new product category: a wall-mounted disp...
