Apple Music Adds Pinned Music Feature in Latest iOS 26 Update
Apple Music users received a significant update today with the release of iOS 26, introducing a long-awaited “pinned music” feature that allows for customized organization within the app.
The new pinning functionality enables users to designate albums, playlists, and artists to remain consistently visible at the top of their Library tab. Accessing this feature is done by long-pressing on desired music, revealing options to “Pin Playlist,” “Pin Album,” or “Pin Artist.” Currently, users can pin up to six items, offering a curated selection of frequently accessed or remembered content. This update addresses a common user request for improved music library management in the streaming era.
According to early user reports, the pinning feature serves two primary purposes: quick access to frequently played music and a visual reminder of content users intend to revisit. The ability to easily recall and locate specific artists or albums is particularly useful given the vast catalogs available through streaming services like Apple Music. This feature could encourage more consistent engagement with the platform’s extensive library.
While the update has been largely well-received, some users have expressed a desire for an increased pinning limit, suggesting a number closer to the nine available in Apple’s Messages app. For more information on optimizing your Apple experience, check out our guide to the best iPhone accessories.
Apple has not yet commented on potential expansions to the pinning feature, but continues to monitor user feedback for future updates.
iOS 26 is a packed update for Apple Music changes, including a new feature that’s long been at the top of my wish list: pinned music.
Pinned music is a key new iOS 26 feature in Apple Music
Apple Music in iOS 26 offers the brand new Liquid Glass design found throughout Apple’s entire lineup of platforms, and a bunch of other upgrades.
One change I’ve been wanting for years is the ability to pin favorite music, and now that’s finally here.
With iOS 26’s new pinning feature, you can pin albums, playlists, and artists to the top of your Library
All you have to do is long-press on the music you want to pin. There, you’ll find new options to ‘Pin Playlist,’ ‘Pin Album,’ or ‘Pin Artist.’
Once you pin something, it will live at the top of your Library tab inside the Music app in iOS 26.
You can pin up to six items in total.
These six pinned items can be a mix of different things: for example, one artist, a couple playlists, and a few albums.
Two reasons I’m thrilled to gain pinned music
There are two main uses I’ve long had in mind that motivated my desire for pinned music:
- Accessing go-to music more easily
- Reminding myself of things I want to listen to more
The former is pretty self-explanatory, and it’s definitely been my most common use case.
But the latter feature is really valuable for me too.
In the streaming age, where all music is at my finger tips, I don’t always have the best memory of artists, albums, and playlists I want to listen to.
I’ll often forget that certain music exists until I stumble back across it.
Now, I can pin music that I want to remember to listen to and be reminded of it every time I open the Music app.
My only complaint with pinned music is the limitation of six pinned items. Here’s hoping Apple expands it in the future—perhaps to nine, like in the Messages app.
Have you been using Apple Music’s new pinning feature in iOS 26? Let us know in the comments.
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