TL;DR
Apple Music in iOS 26 added fullscreen animated Lock Screen artwork, editable playlist folders on iPhone and iPad, and a pinned-music feature in Library that keeps up to six items at the top. These updates aim to make the app more visual and easier to organize from mobile devices.
What happened
With the iOS 26 update, Apple Music received several interface and organizational upgrades that the author highlights as significant day-to-day improvements. Artwork that previously animated inside the Music app can now appear as fullscreen, animated imagery on the iPhone Lock Screen, an effect the writer says is especially striking on devices with an always-on display. Playlist folder management — long restricted to the Mac — has been expanded so users can create, move and edit playlist folders directly on iPhone and iPad. Finally, Library gains a pinning mechanism that lets users keep up to six albums, playlists, artists or songs anchored at the top of the Library tab for quicker access. The author reports using these features regularly and notes a desire for a higher pin limit, but otherwise describes the trio as among the most useful Apple Music additions in years.
Why it matters
- Fullscreen Lock Screen artwork makes listening more visually engaging without keeping the Music app active.
- Mobile playlist folder management lets users organize their libraries on the devices they actually use most.
- Pinned items reduce friction for frequently played music by surfacing favorites at the top of Library.
- These changes shift more Apple Music workflow and personalization from desktop to mobile, reflecting usage patterns.
Key facts
- iOS 26 introduced fullscreen animated album/playlist artwork on the iPhone Lock Screen.
- The Lock Screen animation is most effective on iPhones with an always-on display.
- Not every album or playlist in Apple Music receives animated artwork; availability varies.
- Playlist folders, previously editable only on the Mac, can now be created, moved and managed on iPhone and iPad.
- Library now supports pinning up to six albums, playlists, artists or songs to the top of the Library tab.
- Users can modify the default behavior when tapping a pinned item.
- The author says pins have become their most-used Music app feature and would prefer a higher limit (eight or nine).
- Apple Music subscription is listed at $10.99/month for individuals and is also available through the Apple One bundle.
- The article was written by Ryan Christoffel and published Jan. 6, 2026.
What to watch next
- Whether Apple will increase the pinned-item limit beyond six in a future update: not confirmed in the source.
- If Apple expands animated artwork coverage to more albums and playlists across the catalog: not confirmed in the source.
- Whether similar mobile-first playlist management features will be added to other Apple Music platforms: not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Apple Music: Apple's subscription-based music streaming service offering on-demand tracks, playlists and radio features.
- iOS: Apple's operating system for iPhone that receives periodic updates adding features and security improvements.
- Lock Screen: The screen displayed on a locked iPhone that can show notifications, widgets and now fullscreen music artwork.
- Playlist folder: A container used to group multiple playlists for easier organization within a music library.
- Pinned item: A user-selected album, playlist, artist or song that is kept at the top of the Library for quick access.
Reader FAQ
What new Apple Music features did iOS 26 add?
Fullscreen animated Lock Screen artwork, editable playlist folders on iPhone/iPad, and the ability to pin up to six Library items.
How many items can I pin in Apple Music Library?
You can pin up to six albums, playlists, artists, or songs.
Are animations available for every album or playlist?
No — the article notes many tracks and playlists have animated artwork but not every entry receives the effect.
Will Apple raise the pin limit or expand animations?
Not confirmed in the source.
I think Apple should take this radical approach to the new Siri Ben Lovejoy Jan 5 2026 APPLE MUSIC IOS 26 iOS 26 gave Apple Music three of my favorite…
Sources
- iOS 26 gave Apple Music three of my favorite new features in years
- iOS 26 Available Now With These 8 New Features
- Apple elevates the iPhone experience with iOS 26
- Apple Music upgraded with iOS 26: iPhone users can now …
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