Apple Music is easy to use casually, but it rewards you for being a power user. Read on for a few ways to get more out of the app.
Take a lyrical approach
Ever get a lyric stuck in your head but can’t remember the song it’s from or who performs it? Type it into Apple Music’s search field, which works with song lyrics (as well as titles and artist names). You’ll see the lyrics flagged under the song title and artist in the search results.
See the full lyrics for a track you’re playing by tapping the control panel at the bottom of the screen and swiping up on the screen that appears.
Listen anywhere on Earth (or in midair)
Apple Music is a streaming service, but you can also download music and videos for when there’s no internet access – say, when you’re flying or camping.
Downloading is easy: first add music to your library. Touch and hold the song, album, playlist or music video, then tap Add to Library.
Under Recently Added on the Library tab, touch and hold again, then tap Download for offline listening. You’ll find downloads in the Downloaded section of your Library.
Get a smart DJ
You probably know you can jump into any song, album or playlist on your iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch by saying “Hey Siri, play...” But Siri can also be your personal DJ and the ultimate music authority.
Ask Siri to play music tuned to your mood or activity. For example, say “Hey Siri, play relaxing music” for an Apple Music station to chill out to. “Hey Siri, I need music to work to” will play songs that help you focus. You can also get music for your next gym session, birthday party, romantic dinner – or even (gulp) break-up.
Another fun Siri trick: if you’re out and about and hear a song you like, just say “Hey Siri, what song is this?” Then tap play to listen (if you have a subscription), or open in Apple Music.
Wake up singing
Apple Music subscribers can set any of the over 75 million songs in the catalogue as an alarm sound.
To do this, create a new alarm in the Clock app, then tap Sound. Under the header Songs, you’ll see the option to “Pick a song” from the Apple Music catalogue or from your Library.
Stream to a speaker
Want to crank up the volume? As a subscriber, you can stream the entire Apple Music library to popular smart speakers.
Game to your own soundtrack
Got a Sony PlayStation 5? With the Apple Music app available from your console’s app store, you can stream Apple Music playlists while enjoying your favourite videogames. The music plays along with in-game audio, so you won’t miss a beat.