Web/Mobile App Critique

     For this post, I’m reviewing Apple Music, a popular streaming app that I use regularly. Apple Music is a subscription-based music and audio platform available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and the web. It provides users access to over 100 million songs, curated playlists, music videos, and radio stations. It blends a sleek interface with powerful streaming features. As part of Apple’s ecosystem, it integrates well with devices like iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, and even Siri. The app lets users create playlists, download music for offline listening, and explore exclusive content like artist interviews and live performances.

    Apple Music is very user-friendly, especially for those familiar with Apple products. The layout is clean, and tabs like Listen Now, Browse, Radio, Library, and Search make it easy to explore content. One of the most helpful features is the “Listen Now” tab, which uses your listening habits to recommend playlists and albums. A small drawback is that new users may feel overwhelmed by the number of features and navigation options. Also, users switching from Spotify or YouTube Music might find the layout less intuitive at first. That said, Apple Music has built-in tutorials and tooltips to ease the learning curve.

    Apple Music has a modern and minimalistic design. It uses white or black backgrounds (depending on light/dark mode) with high-resolution album artwork, bold fonts, and fluid scrolling. The aesthetic is consistent across Apple platforms, which helps build a familiar experience. The album and playlist pages are visually clean and functional, with options like “Add to Library,” “Download,” and “Share” placed logically. The use of animated waveforms for lyrics and real-time lyric syncing enhances the listening experience.

    Apple Music performs very well across devices. It allows users to download songs, create smart playlists, and follow artists for updates. One standout feature is Lossless Audio and Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, which improves sound quality dramatically when paired with the right headphones. Another strength is the deep integration with Siri. You can say “Hey Siri, play my chill playlist,” and it will instantly play on your device. The app also syncs with iCloud Music Library, making your music accessible on all your Apple devices. A downside is that the Android version lacks some Apple-exclusive features like Spatial Audio, and the syncing process may not be as seamless outside the Apple ecosystem.

    There are a few improvements that could enhance the Apple Music experience. First, better cross-platform support would help non-Apple users have the same high-quality experience as iOS users. Second, playlist management could be more intuitive. Adding a batch edit option or drag-and-drop features would make organizing songs faster. Finally, smarter music discovery algorithms would be useful. While the recommendations are solid, they tend to repeat artists and genres already in your library instead of exposing you to new content.

    Apple Music is a powerful and polished music streaming service. It shines in audio quality, design, and integration with Apple devices. Its large music library and curated playlists make it ideal for casual listeners and audiophiles alike. While there’s room for improvement—especially for non-Apple users—the overall experience is excellent. With more uniform functionality across platforms and better discovery features, Apple Music could remain a top-tier choice for years to come.

References

Apple Inc. (2025). Apple Music. https://music.apple.com

Gaddis, T. (2021). Starting Out with Programming Logic and Design (5th ed.). Pearson.