Understanding the Difference Between 'Add to Up Next' and 'Play Next' on Apple Music

When using Apple Music, users often wonder about the differences between the 'Add to Up Next' and 'Play Next' options. While both features are designed to insert a song into your listening queue, there are nuanced differences in how they function and the ultimate position of the song in your queue.

What Does 'Add to Up Next' Do?

The 'Add to Up Next' option adds a selected song to the queue of songs that will play after the currently playing track ends. This ensures that the song is placed appropriately in the queue sequence, following the track that is currently playing and any other tracks that are already in the queue.

What Does 'Play Next' Do?

The 'Play Next' option prioritizes a selected song by immediately placing it in line to start playing right after the current song finishes. If there are any other songs that are already queued, they are pushed down in the queue. This means that the selected song will be played next in the sequence, overruling any other song that might be in the queue.

Special Considerations in iOS 8.4 and Later

While the descriptions above are generally accurate, there is an important exception to how the 'Up Next' queue currently works in iOS 8.4 and later versions. When you start playing an album or a playlist without adding it to the 'Up Next' queue, it can queue up separately.

Here’s a scenario: Let’s say you're listening to the first track of a 10-track album and then select another track to 'Add to Up Next'. In this case, the selected track does not get added at the end of the album as you might expect. Instead, it gets added to a separate queue, which is different from the 'Up Next' queue.

Once you’ve added at least one track to the 'Play Next' queue, adding a track to the top of the 'Add to Up Next' queue will place the track above all others in the 'Play Next' list, rather than at the bottom of the 'Up Next' queue. This means that the order of plays can be influenced by the first track you add to the 'Play Next' queue.

Reordering Songs in the Queue

Users can still reorder the tracks in their queue by simply dragging them up or down. This feature allows for a more personalized listening experience, giving users the ability to prioritize and organize their music based on their preferences.

Conclusion

If you want to add a track to the end of your queue, use 'Add to Up Next'. If you want to ensure a track plays immediately, use 'Play Next'. Always be mindful of these differences to avoid any unexpected play sequences, especially when dealing with albums or larger playlists.

While both options serve a similar purpose, understanding these differences can enhance your Apple Music experience and help you manage your listening queue more effectively. Whether you're a casual user or a power listener, knowing these nuances can make a significant difference in enjoying your favorite music without interruptions.