Apple Music just got the glow up I wish Spotify had

Every few months, I toggle between Spotify and Apple Music. The two are reigning champs in the music streaming realm, and each has its advantages over the other. While Spotify’s usually a few points ahead of Apple Music for me, a tiny tweak in Apple’s newest software update might steal the show — at least until Spotify scrambles to catch up and do it better.

Today, the first public beta of iOS 26.4 landed on iPhones around the world — only a day after Apple released the developer beta, too. Among many of the small polishes was a cosmetic upgrade within Apple Music: full-page artwork on album and playlist pages. Instead of album and playlist art stealing half the screen and being clearly separated from the song list, whatever artwork the album features is blurred smoothly into it. It looks cleaner, more seamless, and generally makes sifting through albums more unique.

So, what does it look like? And how can you get the beta yourself?

Apple Music’s new full-page artwork

For albums and playlists

Before you install the first iOS 26.4 public beta, open up your Apple Music app and look at a playlist or album. It will appear like the first renderings above, with the art clearly separated from the songs. The new look blends the dominant color of the artwork and makes it a smooth background behind the songs.

I much prefer the update to the old look. It makes each playlist or album feel a little more polished and unique and is definitely much more exciting than plain black or white behind the songs.

How can you get this Apple Music upgrade?

Download the beta or hold your horses

Since the iOS 26.4 public beta only just came out today, you can expect to wait a little while for it to land on your phone or iPad. You can access this feature (and many others) though, if you sign up for Apple’s Beta program yourself. Make sure to back up your device, and then follow these instructions:

1. Go to beta.apple.com and sign up with your Apple ID.
2. On your iPhone, open Settings.
3. Select General.
4. Choose Software Update.
5. Under Beta Updates, tap iOS 26.4 Public Beta.
6. Download and install the beta.

The next time you go to play your favorite album or playlist, check it out. Your move, Spotify.