What do the Buttons in Apple Music Mean?

I like iOS26. As a designer wanting to see what’s next, I like seeing this new liquid design with the pill styles that I’m starting to see everywhere now. But, Apple Music was a mess – especially in the beta versions I was using. I was confused about which symbols and buttons do what, so I made this guide – if only for a reference for myself, but maybe others will find it useful.

Here are two I was looking for:

More Symbols/Buttons for Apple Music on iPhone

Source: iPhone Users Guide

Control		Description
		Dismiss the Now Playing screen.
		Mark the song as a favorite. See Mark items as favorites.
		Tap for more options.
		Tap to play your songs in random order (shuffle).
		Tap to repeat an album, playlist, or the entire queue. (Or double-tap to repeat a single song.)
		Tap to use AutoPlay, which adds similar songs and plays them at the end of the queue.
		Tap to use AutoMix, which seamlessly transitions between songs, like a DJ. (Available for Apple Music subscribers.)
		Tap to use Crossfade, which fades in each song (gradually increase its volume) while the previous song is fading out.
		Tap when you need help pronouncing or translating the lyrics. This button only appears when a translation or pronunciation is available that matches your iPhone device’s Preferred Languages list. (You can view this list and add languages directly to it in Settings  > General > Language & Region.) Not available in all languages.
		Go back to the beginning of the song. Tap again to play the previous song in an album or playlist. Touch and hold to rewind through the current song.
		Pause playback.
		Play the current song.
		Skip to the next song. Touch and hold to fast-forward through the current song.
		Show time-synced lyrics (lyrics not available for all songs).
		Stream music to Bluetooth or AirPlay-enabled devices.
		Show the queue.

Symbols/Buttons Used in Music App on MacOS

Source: Apple Music Users Guide

Symbol		Description
		The song can’t be located; it may have been moved or deleted.
		The song is stored on the internet; when you click the song, it’s streamed live to your computer.
		The song will be included in the specified action. For example, only songs with a checkmark are imported when you import a CD.
		The song is playing.
		Click to eject a CD or disconnect a device.
		Click to let Music choose a song and then play songs that go well with it.
		A playlist created by Music based on a song.
		A playlist you create based on criteria you specify.
		Click to add a rule (criteria) to a Smart playlist.
		Click to remove a rule (criteria) from a Smart playlist.
		Click to specify another set of criteria within a rule for a Smart playlist.
		A playlist you create or one from an Apple Music contributor.
		A collaborative playlist where you’re an owner or a participant.
		Click to allow a person to join a collaborative playlist.
		Click to decline a person’s request to join a collaborative playlist.
		Click to add the song, album, or playlist to your music library.
		Click to download the song, album, or playlist from your music library to your computer.
		The song, album, or playlist is downloaded to your computer.
		The song or album is available to download from your (or your family’s) purchases to your computer.
		The song can’t be uploaded to your music library. For example, the song file might be larger than 200 MB, or encoded at 96 kbps or less.
		Your music library contains duplicate versions of this song, and only the other version was uploaded to your music library.
		The song is being matched, but the process hasn’t been completed yet.
		Click to mark the item as a favorite.
		Click to mark the item as a favorite.
		Click to mark the item as a favorite.
		The item is a favorite.
		The item is a favorite.
		The item is a favorite.
		The item is disliked or you chose Suggest Less.
		An item contains explicit content (such as lyrics).
		Click to select an Apple Music profile photo.
		Click to allow a person to follow your Apple Music profile.
		Click to not allow a person to follow your Apple Music profile.
		Click to show (or hide) the list of songs in the music queue.
		AutoPlay is turned on so similar songs are added to the music queue.
		AutoMix is turned on to seamlessly transitions between songs, like a DJ. (Available for Apple Music subscribers.)
		Crossfade is turned on to fade in each song (gradually increase its volume) while the previous song is fading out.
		Click to choose a sort order or filter for the list of songs, albums, or playlist.
		Songs play in a random (shuffled) order. (Click to turn off Shuffle.)
		Songs in the current view (for example, a playlist) play repeatedly. (Click to turn off Repeat All.)
		The currently playing song plays repeatedly. (Click to turn off Repeat Song.)
		An item is available to play or download in Dolby Atmos.Note: This icon appears if you’re signed in as a subscriber to Apple Music.
		An item is available to play or download in Apple Lossless.Note: This icon appears if you’re signed in as a subscriber to Apple Music.
		Click to show or hide lyrics for a song.
		Click to select the speaker to use to listen to songs.
		The speaker is available using AirPlay.
		AirPods are available.
		HomePod mini or HomePod is available using AirPlay.
		A stereo pair of HomePods is available using AirPlay.
		A group with a HomePod and a speaker is available using AirPlay.
		An AirPlay device has an error.
		You need to enter a password to connect to the AirPlay-enabled speaker.
		You selected an AirPlay-enabled device but haven’t entered its password.

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