Apple rolled out the stable iOS 27 software update to iPhone users across India and globally this week, introducing five fresh features to the Apple Music streaming app. The update expands everyday music playback with horizontal orientation support, refined AutoMix track transitions, a weekly social playlist, extra-large Home Screen widgets, and redesigned artist profile pages.
Key Takeaways
- iPhone users can now rotate Apple Music horizontally to view real-time lyrics and cover art together.
- Upgraded AutoMix matches key and tempo between consecutive tracks for smoother blending.
- The new Friends playlist refreshes every Thursday with songs your contacts listen to on the platform.
- Redesigned artist pages display full-screen artwork, direct playback buttons, and live concert tour dates.
- Extra-large widgets bring nine Top Charts tracks or six Recently Played items directly to the Home Screen.
Horizontal Playback Support
Holding the iPhone sideways now automatically triggers a split-panel Now Playing interface. Previously, horizontal views were limited to StandBy mode while charging on MagSafe stands. In iOS 27, the horizontal layout works anytime, even when the device rests flat on a study desk or car mount. The left panel keeps full album artwork visible, while time-synced lyrics scroll on the right panel.
Upgraded AutoMix Playback
AutoMix, which arrived in iOS 26, receives an update that goes beyond basic volume crossfades. The app analyzes the musical key and tempo of both tracks, fading the outgoing song into the incoming track at the right beat. Apple is also bringing this feature to Apple TV running tvOS 27 and HomePod speakers.
Social Friends Playlist
A new weekly playlist called Friends joins the “Made for You” collection. Updated every Thursday, the playlist gathers songs that your followed friends play on Apple Music. Small friend profile icons sit on top of album covers, showing you who introduced each song to your feed.
Refreshed Artist Profiles
Artist pages now present full-screen color backgrounds that adapt to each singer’s cover photo. A centered play button allows instant playback of top tracks, while an info panel provides record credits without cluttering the screen. Apple also added concert tour schedules directly into artist profiles, so listeners can view upcoming live performance dates and venues without opening a ticket app.
Extra Large Home Screen Widgets
iOS 27 introduces a fourth, extra-large widget format for iPhone Home Screens and Today view. Apple Music supports this format across three categories: Recently Played, Recommendations, and Top Charts. The Top Charts widget displays nine trending tracks at once, up from five in the large size, while the Recently Played widget displays six albums instead of three.
Apple Music plans in India start at Rs 99 per month for individual users, Rs 149 per month for families, and Rs 59 per month for students, with support for Lossless Audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Does the horizontal layout work without a charger?
A1. Yes. The horizontal Now Playing layout works whenever you turn your iPhone sideways, whether the phone is plugged into power or not.
Q2. When does the Apple Music Friends playlist update?
A2. The Friends playlist updates automatically every Thursday with popular tracks played by accounts you follow.
Q3. Can older iPhone models use these features?
A3. Any iPhone that supports and installs the official iOS 27 release receives these Apple Music updates.
Q4. How do I place the extra-large Apple Music widget?
A4. Long-press an empty space on your Home Screen, tap the plus sign in the corner, select Apple Music, scroll to the extra-large option, and tap Add Widget.
