Apple is set to roll out an all-new Music app for iPhone pretty soon. The new software has shown up as part of a preview version of iOS 8.4, sent out to registered developers on Monday for testing.
According to its release notes, the revamped Music app features, for example, an overhauled interface designed to make it easier to explore your library of tracks. You’ll be able to personalize playlists by adding your own descriptions as well as images from your own library, and also see pictures of your favorite bands and singers in the Artists view.
Recently Added music will be moved to the top of your library for easier access, while design improvements have also been made to Now Playing, the Cupertino-based company said. You’ll also see an Up Next feature in Now Playing so you can see which tracks are on their way. This feature also lets you reorder, add, or skip songs at any time.
A new MiniPlayer is also being introduced, which lets you control playback and see what’s playing. You can also minimize the player, enabling you to carry on exploring your library.
The team behind the app is also including an always-showing search icon at the top right of the display so you can more easily track down your favorite artist or song instead of having to tap and swipe through endless lists.
A “streamlined” iTunes Radio is also on its way, which should help to improve music discoverability. “You can now quickly return to your favorite stations in Recently Played. Choose from a selection of hand-curated stations in Featured Stations, or start a new one from your favorite artist or song,” Apple said in iOS 8.4’s notes.
The tech firm informs developers that the new Music app is a relatively early build, resulting in limited functionality, particularly with iTunes Radio.
The comprehensive update for Apple’s mobile Music app should be rolled out in the coming months, prior to the likely unveiling of iOS 9 at its annual WWDC bash, which is expected to take place in June.
Quite how its new Music app and iTunes Radio will fit with Apple’s expected roll out of a new Beats-based music streaming service isn’t clear, but all should be revealed in the next couple of months.
YouTube user Mike Kukielka has posted an overview of the Music app’s new features – check it out at the top of this post.
[Source: Engadget]
