Apple Music Redesign Still Needs Work?

Apple Music’s 2024 redesign, introduced with iOS 17, streamlined the interface but left several usability issues unresolved. While the new look is cleaner, problems with navigation, search, and library management persist, making it clear the redesign still needs work.

Background: What Changed in the Redesign

Apple Music’s redesign in iOS 17 focused on simplifying the app’s visual design. The update removed the heavy reliance on colored gradients and replaced them with a more neutral, translucent interface. The “For You” tab was renamed “Home,” and the “Radio” tab was merged into “Browse.” The goal was to reduce clutter and make the app feel more modern. However, many users found that while the app looked different, the underlying structure remained confusing.

How the New Design Works

The current Apple Music layout has five main tabs: Home, Browse, Radio, Library, and Search. The Home tab uses algorithmic playlists and recent activity to suggest music. The Library tab now includes a filter bar at the top, letting you sort by Artists, Albums, Songs, and other categories. The Search tab has been redesigned to show “Top Results” and “Recent Searches.” While these features sound straightforward, the execution often feels clunky. For example, the Library tab’s filter bar disappears when you scroll down, forcing you to scroll back up to switch categories.

Common Problems Users Face

Search is less precise: Typing a song name often returns playlists or albums first, burying the exact track.
Library organization is confusing: The “Recently Added” section doesn’t always update immediately, and there’s no easy way to sort by date added within an artist’s page.
Navigation feels inconsistent: Swiping gestures work in some views but not others, and the back button sometimes jumps to the wrong screen.
Playlist editing is tedious: Reordering songs requires a long press and drag, but the drag-and-drop often fails or moves the wrong track.
Loss of key features: The old “For You” tab had a “Friends Are Listening To” section that was removed, and the “Radio” tab lost its dedicated genre stations.

How to Fix the Most Annoying Issues

If you’re frustrated with the current design, there are a few workarounds. For search issues, try adding the song title in quotes or using the “See All” button to view complete results. To quickly access your library, set the default Library tab to “Songs” instead of “Recently Added” in Settings > Music. For playlist reordering, use the “Edit” button in the playlist view, which gives you a stable list to drag from. If the app feels sluggish, force-close it and reopen, as memory leaks can cause lag after long listening sessions.

Comparing Apple Music to Spotify’s Design

Spotify’s interface has long been praised for its simplicity. The bottom navigation is consistent, search results are accurate, and the library is easy to organize. Apple Music’s redesign was partly an attempt to catch up, but it still lags in key areas. For instance, Spotify allows you to filter a playlist by genre, mood, or decade directly from the playlist header, while Apple Music requires you to create a smart playlist or use search. Also, Spotify’s “Enhance” button adds recommended songs to a playlist with one tap, a feature Apple Music lacks. These differences matter for users who manage large libraries.

What Apple Needs to Improve

To truly fix the redesign, Apple should focus on three areas. First, make search smarter by prioritizing exact matches for song titles and artist names. Second, bring back a dedicated “Radio” tab with genre stations and live shows. Third, allow users to customize the bottom tabsâ€”many would prefer a “Downloaded” tab for offline listening. Additionally, the library should support multiple sorting options, like “Date Added” or “Year,” without needing extra taps. These changes would address the most common complaints without requiring a complete overhaul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Apple remove the “For You” tab?

Apple merged “For You” into the “Home” tab to reduce redundancy. The Home tab now shows curated playlists, recent listens, and recommendations, but it lacks the personalized “Friends Are Listening To” section that many users enjoyed.

Can I get the old Apple Music layout back?

No, there is no official way to revert to the iOS 16 layout. You can only adjust the appearance (light/dark mode) and the Library tab’s default view. Some third-party tweaks exist for jailbroken devices, but they are not recommended for security reasons.

Why is my search showing wrong results?

Apple Music’s search algorithm sometimes prioritizes popular playlists over exact song matches. Try typing the song name in quotes, or use the “See All” button to scroll through complete results. Also, ensure your app is updated, as search improvements are often included in iOS updates.

How do I sort my library by date added?

Go to the Library tab, tap “Songs,” then tap the “Sort” button (the two arrows icon) at the top. Select “Date Added.” Note that this only works in the Songs view, not in the Artists or Albums views.

Is Apple Music’s redesign a sign of a bigger problem?

Not necessarily. The redesign shows Apple is willing to change, but it also highlights a lack of user testing. The core streaming service works well, but the interface needs better information architecture. Apple has a history of refining its apps over time, so future updates may address these issues.

Will the redesign affect my downloaded music?

No, downloaded music remains intact. The redesign only changes the interface. However, if you have smart playlists, they may behave differently because the library’s sorting options have changed. Check your smart playlist rules to ensure they still work as intended.

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