iOS 26 Brings DJ-Style AutoMix to Apple Music: Here’s How It Works

Apple didn’t spend much time on it during the WWDC keynote, but tucked inside iOS 26 is a small yet notable Apple Music feature called AutoMix. It lets you play playlists where one song transitions into the next like a smart DJ mix—no awkward silences between songs, no sudden energy drops. Here’s how AutoMix works in Apple Music and how you can make the most of it.

What Is AutoMix in Apple Music?

AutoMix is Apple’s new feature that replaces the old Crossfade in Apple Music. But it doesn’t just blend tracks—it thinks about how to do it.

It analyzes the tempo and key of the songs you’re playing and uses beat matching and time stretching to create smooth, DJ-style transitions. So instead of fading one track out and then playing the next, AutoMix keeps the flow going. For example, if you’re playing a fast-paced song, the tempo may slow down slightly to match the next slower-paced track.

It’s not an Apple Intelligence feature, but it does feel smart. And yes, it works even if you’re not on the latest iPhone, as long as you’re subscribed to Apple Music.

How to Turn On AutoMix in Apple Music

Enabling AutoMix is easy, but there are a few things to check before you start. Here’s how to do it right.

1. Update your iPhone to iOS 26 via Settings > General > Software Update.
2. Open the Apple Music app.
3. Start playing any playlist or station—preferably one of Apple’s curated options like “Today’s Hits” or “Lo-Fi Chill.”
4. On the Now Playing screen, tap the List icon to view upcoming songs.
5. Tap the AutoMix button located near Shuffle and Repeat to turn it on.

Once it’s enabled, your songs will start blending automatically—no settings to adjust, no sliders to tweak. Just play your playlist and enjoy smooth, DJ-style transitions. 

Tips to Get the Best Out of AutoMix

AutoMix works great out of the box, but a few small tweaks can make it sound even better.

• Stick to genre-consistent playlists: Songs that share a similar tempo and vibe transition more naturally. So, pop with pop, lo-fi with lo-fi, etc.
• Use AirPods for a smoother experience: With AirPods or AirPods Pro, the seamless transitions feel even more immersive thanks to Spatial Audio and fast switching.
• Try it during workouts, drives, or parties: AutoMix keeps the momentum going, especially when you don’t want to mess with your phone.

What to Do If AutoMix Isn’t Working

Not seeing the AutoMix option, or is it not behaving as expected? Here’s how to troubleshoot:

• Confirm iOS 26 is installed: Go to Settings > General > About.
• You need an Apple Music subscription: AutoMix doesn’t work with free plans or local-only music.
• Try an official Apple playlist: It’s currently optimized for curated and streamed playlists, not your personal mixes.
• Restart the app or your iPhone: Force close Apple Music and relaunch. If that doesn’t work, try rebooting your device.

What AutoMix Still Can’t Do

As fun as AutoMix is, it’s not perfect. There are some real limits.

• No support for AirPlay speakers: AutoMix doesn’t work when music is sent to speakers via AirPlay, due to how iOS handles audio handoff. It works fine over Bluetooth.
• Struggles with silence-heavy tracks: If a song ends with 10+ seconds of silence (like in classic rock or classical music), AutoMix just ends up mixing… silence—not ideal.
• No control or customization: You can’t tweak transition length or set your own mixing rules. It’s all automatic—take it or leave it.

AutoMix Isn’t Perfect, But It’s a Decent DJ

AutoMix in iOS 26 doesn’t aim to replace professional DJ software, and it won’t match your carefully hand-picked transitions. But for most people—especially those who just hit play and vibe—it’s a solid upgrade. It gives your playlists a radio-like flow, adds a bit of personality, and makes the entire Apple Music experience feel more dynamic.

It still has room to grow, especially with AirPlay support and silence handling, but for now, it’s an easy win for casual listening. If you love your music non-stop and hate dead air, AutoMix is worth a try.

Check out other Apple Music features Apple announced in iOS 26.