Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET ZDNET's key takeaways Spotify's new feature lets you mix songs in your playlist by customizing volume, EQ, and effect curves. You can also create customized covers for these mixed playlists. It is now rolling out in beta to Spotify Premium users. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. With iOS 26, Apple introduced an on-command, AI-powered DJ that transitions songs in the Music app. While Spotify offers an AI DJ, it isn't the same as AutoMix, as it includes a narrated experience that guides listeners through tracks. However, Spotify's new Mix feature takes direct aim at Apple and allows you to add your own transitions to mix your favorite playlists. It is now rolling out to eligible Premium users in beta. Also: How to use the viral AutoMix feature on iOS 26 (and which iPhone models support it) Spotify's Mix feature is available for playlists, allowing you to transition between tracks and customize how they flow together. You can enhance your Mix with features like volume, EQ, and effect curves. All you need to do is tap Mix, and Spotify will automatically show the key and BPM (beats per minute) for each track. You should choose songs with similar tempos and Camelot keys, the system used by DJs to avoid clashing keys, for the "most natural-sounding transitions," the company said. It is said to work best with "music produced for seamless transitions." So, techno would blend more smoothly than acoustic. How to use Mix on Spotify Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Spotify wants to add more value to its Premium subscription plans, and Mix is one of such features to sway free users into the subscription model. The feature is only available to Premium users on iOS and Android, and these mixed playlists can only be shared with other Premium subscribers. So, you can't share a mixed playlist with someone on the free tier. Here's how you can use the new Spotify Mix feature: Open Spotify and create a playlist or go to a current playlist. You'll spot a new Mix button on the toolbar. Tap on it. Start with Auto for an instant blend. You can also tap to customize your mix and create unique transitions. When customizing, you can choose a preset like Fade or Rise to apply different transition styles. Spotify suggests experimenting with specific volume, EQ, and effect settings and using waveform and beat data to find the best spot in each track for your transition. Tap on Save. You can also share or collaborate with your friends (Premium users) on this playlist. If you don't need it, you can always tap on the Mix button to toggle this feature on and off. Also: Spotify now lets you create an AI-made playlist with just a text prompt Prakhar Khanna/ZDNET Spotify said you should think about the mood and energy you want your playlist to have. You can also Mix your current playlists with consistent BPMs to set your pace and curate the ideal moody playlist for the next party or road trip. I also found the new customized cover art feature interesting. It lets you create your own cover art for these mixed playlists with new stickers and labels. You can also add an image from your Gallery and personalize it further. Just make sure that your Spotify app is up to date, and you should be able to spot the Mix button in the toolbar of your playlist.