Apple Music is one of the leading music streaming platforms in the world, offering curated playlists, personalized recommendations, and seamless integration with Apple devices. Among its many features, one that often sparks both curiosity and confusion is Apple Music Autoplay. If you’ve ever wondered why your playlist keeps going even after the last song ends or why unexpected tracks pop up in your queue, this feature is likely the reason.
In this guide, we’ll explore what Apple Music Autoplay is, how it functions, how to turn it on or off, and why it can enhance or disrupt your listening experience.
What Is Apple Music Autoplay?
Autoplay is a built-in Apple Music feature that continues to play music even after your selected content ends. Instead of the music stopping when a song, album, or playlist finishes, Autoplay ensures the audio continues with similar songs or genres. It keeps the vibe going without requiring user interaction.
The primary goal of Apple Music Autoplay is to keep your music experience uninterrupted. It uses your listening history, preferences, and Apple’s recommendation algorithms to create a continuous stream of similar music.
Where to Find Autoplay in Apple Music
Autoplay is available on all major Apple devices:
- iPhone and iPad (iOS 14 and later)
- Mac (Music app on macOS)
- Apple CarPlay
- Apple Watch (limited control)
- HomePod and Siri-based playback
To locate Autoplay on iOS:
- Play a song from any playlist or album.
- Tap the Now Playing bar at the bottom.
- Scroll down to the Up Next section.
- Look for the infinity icon (∞) – this represents Autoplay.
- If the icon is highlighted, Autoplay is active.
How Apple Music Autoplay Works
Apple Music Autoplay uses a blend of machine learning, listening history, and song metadata to generate an endless playlist tailored to your taste. It selects songs that match the genre, mood, tempo, and style of what you were listening to before your chosen content ended.
Factors Affecting Autoplay Recommendations
- Your library and liked songs
- Playlists you create or follow
- Genres and artists you often stream
- Songs skipped or repeated
- Interaction with curated Apple Music playlists
For instance, if you just finished listening to a soft indie pop playlist, Apple Music may follow up with mellow acoustic ballads or other indie tracks with a similar vibe.
How to Turn Off Autoplay in Apple Music
Not everyone enjoys surprise songs, especially if you want a specific music experience. Turning off Autoplay is simple:
On iPhone or iPad
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Start playing a song or playlist.
- Tap the Now Playing bar.
- Scroll to the Up Next section.
- Tap the infinity symbol (∞) to deactivate it (it turns gray when disabled).
On Mac
- Open the Music app.
- Play a song or playlist.
- Click the Up Next icon at the top right.
- Toggle off the Autoplay button (infinity icon).
Once it’s turned off, Apple Music will stop playing songs after your playlist or album ends.
How to Turn Autoplay Back On
To re-enable Autoplay, repeat the same steps and tap the infinity icon again. When active, it will be red or highlighted, and songs will be continuously suggested and played.
Why Apple Music Autoplay Is Useful
Autoplay is more than a convenience; it’s a music discovery tool. Here are a few benefits of leaving it on:
Continuous Music
Autoplay prevents awkward silences during parties, workouts, or study sessions by making sure music keeps playing seamlessly.
Discover New Artists
Since the feature bases suggestions on your preferences, it often introduces you to new tracks or artists that align with your tastes but aren’t in your library yet.
Perfect for Hands-Free Listening
Using Apple Music while driving or working becomes smoother with Autoplay, as it removes the need to interact with the app once your chosen content ends.
Common Issues with Apple Music Autoplay
Despite its benefits, some users encounter problems with the feature. Here are a few:
Autoplay Not Working
If Autoplay doesn’t seem to be working:
- Make sure you’re signed in with an Apple Music subscription.
- Check if the infinity icon is enabled.
- Ensure iOS/macOS is updated to the latest version.
- Restart the app or device if the problem persists.
Unwanted Songs in Autoplay Queue
Sometimes the algorithm can misinterpret your preferences and suggest music you don’t like. The solution? Use the “Love” or “Dislike” options by long-pressing a song and selecting the appropriate feedback to help Apple Music learn better.
Autoplay Turning Itself Back On
If Autoplay keeps enabling itself, this could be a bug or a result of a shared device or account settings. Sign out and back into Apple Music or ensure your settings are saved properly.
How Autoplay Compares to Other Streaming Services
Most major platforms now offer similar continuous listening features:
| Service | Name of Feature | How It Works |
| Apple Music | Autoplay | Plays similar music after playlist/album ends |
| Spotify | Autoplay | Suggests music based on listening activity |
| YouTube Music | Radio/Autoplay | Automatically generates a playlist after one ends |
| Amazon Music | Continuous Play | Extends playlists or albums with suggested songs |
| Pandora | Stations | Personalized stations based on thumbs-up/down feedback |
Apple Music’s Autoplay stands out for its deep integration with Apple’s ecosystem and precise recommendation system based on the user’s entire listening history across devices.
Tips to Maximize Apple Music Autoplay
- Frequently like and dislike songs to refine suggestions.
- Create a diverse library so the algorithm has more data to work with.
- Use Siri voice commands to activate or pause playback during Autoplay.
- Explore the “Listen Now” section, as Autoplay draws from here too.
- Avoid skipping too many songs in a row, which may confuse the algorithm.
Parental Controls and Autoplay
If you’re managing Apple Music for children, Autoplay can be controlled through Screen Time settings or by setting content restrictions on explicit music.
Apple Music Autoplay in CarPlay
One of the most practical uses of Autoplay is while driving. Apple CarPlay leverages Autoplay to ensure your ride is filled with uninterrupted music. If you want to disable it while driving, simply access the Now Playing screen on CarPlay and tap the Autoplay icon.
FAQs
How do I know if Autoplay is on in Apple Music?
Look for the infinity symbol (∞) in the Up Next section of the Now Playing screen. If it’s highlighted, Autoplay is active.
Why does Apple Music keep playing after my playlist ends?
That’s because Autoplay is turned on. It automatically plays similar tracks once your content ends.
Can I customize Apple Music Autoplay?
You can’t directly customize Autoplay, but liking and disliking songs influences future recommendations.
Does Autoplay use cellular data?
Yes, if you’re streaming on mobile data, Autoplay will continue using it unless you’re on Wi-Fi or have restricted data usage.
Is Autoplay available on Apple Music free plan?
Autoplay is part of the paid Apple Music subscription. It does not function in the same way with free trials or limited access.