Apple Music Replay looks stunning in iOS 26
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, BGR may receive an affiliate commission.
Apple Music is getting several new features in iOS 26. Alongside the revamped design with Apple's new Liquid Glass UI, it seems the company has finally figured out how to create a native Apple Music Replay experience on its music platform.
This was first noted by X user Dylan. If you open Apple Music Replay in iOS 18, you'll see a different tab highlighting your musical goals for the month. In contrast, iOS 26 gives it a stunning new look, with everything blending together for a more integrated experience.
Today's Top Deals
Best deals: Tech, laptops, TVs, and more sales
Best Ring Video Doorbell deals
Memorial Day security camera deals: Reolink's unbeatable sale has prices from $29.98
When you open the Apple Music Replay card on the new Apple Music Home tab, you'll get a similar but improved experience. You can select the months and the year you want to see your Replay. What's interesting is that Apple is including information from the early Apple Music days, which for me means even the tunes I was rocking back in 2016.
While the data might be limited in the early years, you can still compare how much you listened to an artist, song, or album from one year to the next. If you're using more recent data, such as 2023 or 2024, you can also get your Highlight Reel.
Interestingly, the Highlight Reel experience still feels very similar to what you get on the web, but it's fair to assume Apple is preparing a more trend-driven annual Apple Music Replay for 2025.
iOS 26 is also adding the following features to Apple Music:
AutoMix: Apple Music is getting a DJ-style feature that seamlessly mixes one song into the next. This should improve on iOS 18's crossfade feature.
Lyrics Translation: The lyrics translation feature helps you better understand your favorite foreign-language songs.
Auto-pin Favorite Songs: One of the unannounced features is the ability to pin your favorite songs, artists, albums, or playlists to the top of your library. You can even long-press on an album, playlist, or artist to choose a Tap Action, such as 'Go to Album/Artist/Playlist,' 'Play,' or 'Shuffle.'
Below, you can learn more about the other Apple Music features coming with iOS 26.
Don't Miss: Today's deals: Nintendo Switch games, $5 smart plugs, $150 Vizio soundbar, $100 Beats Pill speaker, more
More Top Deals
Amazon gift card deals, offers & coupons 2025: Get $2,000+ free
See the
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
43 minutes ago
- Tom's Guide
iOS 18.5 has landed — 5 ‘minor' features that are actually huge
iPhone software updates are often sold as game-changers, but the improvements that matter most tend to be quieter ones that smooth out daily friction. iOS 18.5 is a good example. Its new features might not seem impressive at first glance, but they quickly become the kind you rely on without thinking. They're smaller, smarter adjustments that address real-world annoyances—things like gesture controls that actually do what you expect, or email tools that feel intuitive rather than forced. It's the kind of refinement that shows Apple's focus on how people actually use their devices. In the end, it's often the most understated changes that improve your everyday experience. iOS 18.5 is full of these. Here's five features that may seem minor but are actually huge. Back Tap is one of iOS's most underused accessibility features, letting you perform quick actions by tapping the back of your phone. In iOS 18.5, Apple has added a small but helpful tweak: an on-screen alert that confirms when Back Tap has been activated — so you're no longer left guessing if your input registered. To turn on these alerts, open the Settings app, then tap Accessibility and select Touch. From there, scroll down and tap Back Tap, then toggle on Show Banner. You can still assign custom actions for double and triple taps from this screen. If you plan to keep your iPhone for several years, battery longevity matters — and this update gives you more control over it. iOS 18.5 introduces a new setting that lets you limit the maximum charge your phone reaches, which can help reduce long-term battery wear. To enable this, open the Settings app, then tap Battery and select Charging. You'll now see a slider that lets you set a charge limit between 80% and 100%. Just keep in mind that your phone won't charge beyond this limit unless you manually change it later. Screen Time has always helped parents manage their kids' device use, but now it adds an extra layer of visibility. With iOS 18.5, parents will get notified if their Screen Time passcode has been entered — a subtle way of knowing if a child has cracked the code. To make sure you receive these alerts, open the Settings app, then tap Screen Time. As long as Screen Time is enabled on your child's device and linked to your Apple ID, you'll receive a notification whenever the passcode is entered. The Mail app sees a minor but welcome change in iOS 18.5: more control over display settings, right from inside the app. Previously, toggles like contact photos required digging through the main Settings menu. Now, they're accessible with just a few taps. To find them, open the Mail app and tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner of the screen. You'll see a new set of options, including the ability to toggle contact photos on or off, along with other layout preferences depending on your device setup. Apple regularly releases seasonal wallpapers, and iOS 18.5 includes a vibrant new option: Pride Harmony, available across iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. It's a small detail, but one that can freshen up your device's look. To apply it, open the Settings app, then tap Wallpaper and choose Add New Wallpaper. From there, scroll through the available options and select Pride Harmony, then tap Set as Wallpaper Pair to use it for both your Lock Screen and Home Screen. Now that you've learned about these iOS 18.5 features, why not take a look at our other useful iPhone guides?Check out 7 underrated iPhone features you're probably not using and I've been testing iOS 18 Photos — and these 5 features make a huge difference. And did you know you can speed up your iPhone by clearing its cache? Here's how to do it. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
Business Insider
an hour ago
- Business Insider
Can Apple's (AAPL) Subtle AI Strategy Sustain Its Premium Valuation?
Apple's (AAPL) AI strategy isn't focused on dominating infrastructure—it's centered on enhancing the devices users already love with smarter, more intuitive features, all while prioritizing privacy and user experience. That said, this approach alone may not fully justify Apple's premium valuation. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter The company faces slowing growth and an increasing reliance on financial engineering to sustain shareholder returns. Still, I remain moderately bullish, primarily because management appears to be actively adjusting to these evolving challenges. In terms of performance against broader benchmarks, AAPL stock has lagged behind the S&P 500 index so far this year. Quiet Acquisitions Can Lead to Loud Results Apple's AI strategy is built on quiet, targeted acquisitions that steadily add value behind the scenes. Take for instance—a startup acquired in 2020 for around $200 million, specializing in ultra-efficient on-device AI. That deal enabled Apple to run advanced machine learning directly on its chips, boosting privacy, battery life, and device performance without relying on cloud connectivity. More recently, Apple acquired WaveOne, a company specializing in AI-powered video compression, which enhances streaming efficiency for Apple TV+ and improves FaceTime video quality—moves that subtly boost Apple's operating margins. These acquisitions aren't just about enhancing user features; they're about expanding margins and reducing reliance on third-party tech. A prime example is Apple's shift from Intel (INTC) chips to its in-house M-series processors, featuring Neural Engines that power device-side AI. This transition has resulted in estimated cost savings of $75 per Mac, directly contributing to long-term profitability. While these moves may not grab headlines, they consistently deepen Apple's competitive moat and quietly support sustainable earnings growth. Apple's True Value is Intangible Apple's valuation is largely propped up by its immense intangible value—brand strength, customer loyalty, and a vast portfolio of intellectual property. With nearly $100 billion in annual free cash flow in recent years, it's easy to see why investor sentiment remains bullish. The company continues to aggressively buy back its own stock—$107 billion worth over the past 12 months—prioritizing shareholder returns over reinvestment in operations or strategic initiatives. While that's rewarded investors in the short term, it reflects a capital allocation strategy that may not serve Apple as well in the long run, especially as the AI era accelerates. Truly forward-looking companies use excess cash to deepen their competitive moat, not just engineer earnings per share. Looking ahead, Apple's sustained growth will depend heavily on the continued strength of the iPhone and the expansion of its Services segment. But cracks are beginning to show. The company is under mounting scrutiny for its App Store policies, facing backlash from developers and legal challenges over its fee structure. More broadly, the tech world is beginning to question whether Apple is doing enough in terms of operational innovation. The heavy emphasis on financial engineering over bold R&D investments could start to weigh on future performance. This isn't the end of Apple's dominance—but it may mark the beginning of a slower, more modest growth phase. Apple's Fundamentals Hold Strong Apple's recent investments—including a $500 billion U.S. infrastructure push—underscore its focus on chip autonomy and manufacturing diversification. The company's growing AI data center presence in Texas and its reliance on TSMC's (TSM) expanding fabs in Arizona highlight Apple's central role in the intersection of technology and geopolitics. At the same time, a more deliberate shift toward increased R&D spending—at the expense of share buybacks—signals a more substantial commitment to long-term AI innovation. Apple's latest quarterly results reflect continued strength: Q2 FY2025 revenue hit $95.4 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with record Services revenue of $26.6 billion contributing to healthy gross margins of nearly 47% and $24 billion in operating cash flow. Active devices reached new highs, supporting around one billion subscriptions—proof of the company's ability to monetize its ecosystem and drive customer loyalty. Apple's measured, privacy-first approach to AI, combined with strategic supply chain moves and greater silicon self-reliance, helps justify its premium valuation. Still, ongoing innovation and disciplined capital allocation will be critical to sustaining long-term investor confidence. Is Apple Stock a Good Buy? On Wall Street, Apple has a consensus Moderate Buy rating, based on 16 Buys, nine Holds, and four Sells. The average AAPL stock price target of $226.94 indicates a 14% upside potential over the next 12 months. This indicates that Apple stock remains attractive to tech investors seeking a shareholder-oriented management team, with forward-looking strategies emerging amid the current AI disruption. Personally, I see about a 10% annual return as a reasonable expectation for the company in the medium-term future. AAPL Walks Tightrope Between Risk and Success In my view, while there are valid concerns about Apple's current position in the AI landscape, I believe management has some long-term plays in motion. The company understandably wants to preserve its shareholder-friendly model, but it also needs to shift more attention toward reinforcing its brand moat in the face of looming disruption. I'm confident that Apple has the resources and leadership to adapt, although at this stage, it's not among the most compelling investment opportunities available. I remain moderately bullish, although initiating fresh positions at current levels may be unwarranted.
Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
Why Apple's (AAPL) Premium Valuation is Skating on Thin Ice
Apple, Inc. (AAPL), the leading smartphone maker by global market share, is currently valued at a forward P/E of 28, slightly above its five-year average of 27.4. This premium valuation may face obstacles in the future if growth continues to decelerate as it has since Fiscal 2021. The tech giant's stock price has been sluggish over the past year, reflecting the unease. Confident Investing Starts Here: Although Apple is a well-managed business with a strong liquidity position, the company is no longer the growth engine it once was. Acknowledging this new reality, Needham analyst Laura Martin downgraded Apple on June 4, citing that the tech giant's growth profile and profit margins have fallen behind that of its peers. Despite Apple's balance-sheet strength and substantial brand equity, I am bearish on the prospects for Apple because of valuation concerns. Apple's Growth is Slowing One of the primary reasons behind my bearish stance on Apple is its slowing growth. In Fiscal 2024 ended last September, Apple's revenue grew only 2% YoY after registering a YoY decline of 2.8% in the previous year. This is in stark contrast to the 33% growth registered in Fiscal 2021. Some of the reasons behind the growth slowdown include the maturation of the 5G smartphone upgrade cycle and Apple's lackluster progress in AI. A granular breakdown of Apple's recent financial performance reveals that most of its struggles are stemming from the lackluster growth of the iPhone segment. For instance, in the second quarter of Fiscal 2025, iPhone revenues grew just 1.9% YoY. Since iPhone sales still account for almost half of the company's revenue, this meager growth has masked the success of the services segment, which grew nearly 12% in the last quarter. Unfortunately, given the size of the iPhone segment, Apple is unlikely to see a significant turnaround in growth unless iPhone sales pick up, which is increasingly looking like a distant reality, as the company is experiencing market share losses in China, the world's largest smartphone market. The lack of innovation in the iPhone segment is one of the primary reasons behind the notable decline in sales growth in recent quarters. While many of its peers have focused on foldable smartphones and advanced AI features, Apple has failed to deliver on these fronts, leading to a decline in customer satisfaction. Although Apple still holds a dominant market share in the U.S., the company is losing ground in key markets, such as China, due to a perceived lack of innovation. This questions the sustainability of its premium valuation. Apple is a Big Tech Laggard At a time when Apple's growth is slowing, I do not feel comfortable with the company's premium valuation. Microsoft Corporation (MSFT), Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN), and Meta Platforms (META) are currently valued at forward P/E multiples of 31, 20, 35, and 20, respectively. This is in comparison to Apple's forward P/E of around 28, which suggests the company may be reasonably valued. However, the issue becomes apparent when we examine the growth profiles of these large tech companies. For instance, in the most recent fiscal quarter, Apple's revenue grew by just 5% year-over-year, whereas Microsoft reported YoY revenue growth of 13.27%. For more context, Alphabet and Amazon reported year-over-year revenue growth of 12% and 9%, respectively, in their most recent quarter. Meta, despite navigating a challenging macroeconomic environment, also reported 16% YoY growth in revenue in the most recent quarter. These findings suggest that Apple's current valuation, which is closely in line with that of other big tech peers, is unjustifiable, as the company is growing at a significantly slower pace compared to its peers. Apple Faces Many Other Headwinds In addition to the slowdown in iPhone sales, Apple is facing several other headwinds that limit its growth potential. These challenges have also contributed to my bearish view of the company. For example, Apple is facing regulatory pressure both in the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit alleging that Apple has monopolized the smartphone market through the strength of its ecosystem. In contrast, the EU is closely monitoring Apple's activities as part of its efforts to implement the Digital Markets Act. Another massive obstacle is the worsening trade relationship between the U.S. and China. Apple, despite showing a strong willingness to diversify its supply chain operations, still relies heavily on China. According to recent estimates, approximately 85% of iPhones are still assembled in China, highlighting the company's dependence on the Country at a time when the U.S. government has threatened to impose heavy tariffs on China. It would take years for Apple to entirely relocate production out of China to more favorable nations, such as India. Until this happens, earnings will likely take a significant hit from the new tariffs announced by the Trump administration. Is Apple Stock a Good Buy? On Wall Street, AAPL stock carries a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on 16 Buy, nine Hold, and four Sell ratings over the past three months. AAPL's average stock price target of $226.94 implies approximately 15% upside potential over the next twelve months. Although Apple appears to be reasonably valued, I believe the risk-reward profile is skewed against long-term investors today, as the company is valued at earnings multiples comparable to those of other big tech giants that are growing at a much faster clip. Lackluster growth is likely to pull back valuation multiples in the future, potentially leading to a disappointing stock market performance. Takeaway Apple is a great business, but the company has found itself in a challenging position following questionable AI integration strategies and a period of underwhelming innovation. Geopolitical tensions have also exacerbated Apple's challenges. Trading at premium valuation multiples, Apple's current valuation does not accurately reflect these troubles. Based on these factors, I am bearish on the prospects for Apple stock.
