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As we await a smarter Siri, Amazon brings Alexa+ to its iOS music app

One of the big promises of Apple Intelligence is the ability to interact with our apps. Instead of the relatively simple requests we can currently make of Apple Music, for example, we should be able to give the app a vibe-like steer on what we’d like it to play and let it figure out which tracks match our spec.

That’s a capability Amazon has just made available in the iOS and Android versions of its own music app by introducing support for its own next-generation intelligent assistant, Alexa+ …

Alexa+

Alexa+, sometimes branded as Alexa Plus, is the company’s own version of the next generation Siri we’re expecting to launch at some point in 2026. Amazon’s edition launched back in March.

Alexa+ is more conversational, smarter, personalized—and she helps you get things done. She keeps you entertained, helps you learn, keeps you organized, summarizes complex topics, and can converse about virtually anything. Alexa+ can manage and protect your home, make reservations, and help you track, discover, and enjoy new artists. She can also help you search, find or buy virtually any item online, and make useful suggestions based on your interests. Alexa+ does all this and more—all you have to do is ask.

Smart speaker support requires one of the more recent Echo devices, but it has also today launched inside the Amazon Music app in beta form.

Alexa+ in the iOS Amazon Music app

The company made the enhancement today.

Beginning today, Alexa+ will be rolling out on the Amazon Music app on iOS and Android. All customers in Alexa+ Early Access will be able to enjoy Alexa+ in the Amazon Music app across all subscription tiers. Stay tuned for further updates on availability, including access for all customers.

The integration of Alexa+ into the Amazon Music app brings a new depth of understanding to interactive AI capabilities in music streaming— from simple queries, to the complicated and obscure. Customers can dive deeper into genres, uncover artist influences and discographies, trace sample origins from their favorite tracks, and even ask, “what’s this song about?” […]

Alexa+ engages in natural dialogue that mirrors talking with a knowledgeable friend about music. Start with a request like ‘I’m in the mood for some electronic music, can you recommend some tracks?’ and explore deeper through organic conversation, “can you tell me more about that first artist you mentioned?” You can refine your musical journey by discussing specific eras, regional scenes, moods, and instruments – even expressing what you want to avoid.

Amazon gave some examples of how you might use it:

  • “What’s a popular Addison Rae song that was recently released?”
  • “What song has lyrics about taking my horse to the old town road?”
  • “Which song has the lyrics, ‘Catch me or I’ll go Houdini’?”
  • “What’s the song that plays in the opening credits of ‘The Sopranos’?”
  • “Play pop songs from the ‘90s from different artists, including Madonna, but skip the boy bands.”
  • “Play more songs like this but from different artists and with faster tempos.”
  • “I’m hosting a dinner party tonight. Can you recommend something jazzy but contemporary that won’t overpower the conversation?”
  • “Play flamenco-inspired music that incorporates modern beats, similar to Rosalia’s musical style, and include only artists from Spain.”
  • “Can you recommend new music that would make me seem cool to my 13-year-old daughter without trying too hard?”
  • “What’s the story behind the lyrics to ‘Hotel California’?”
  • “Recommend some artists that were representative of the London punk scene in the 70’s.”
  • “I’m going to Camp Flog Gnaw, who are the artists performing for 2025? Can you tell me more about those artists?”

The intelligent assistant can also create playlists for you from both general and highly specific prompts:

  • “Create a playlist for driving along the Pacific Coast Highway at sunset.”
  • “Make a playlist of relaxing songs for my dog but with R&B vibes that soothe anxiety.”
  • “Create a music playlist that sounds like a Parisian café, and only include songs in French.”
  • “I need music to help me focus that combines ambient electronic with light classical piano—nothing with lyrics.”
  • “Create a playlist of ‘90s underground hip-hop artists just from New York City.”

Amazon says that in testing it has proven extremely popular.

We’ve seen customers explore music three times more with Alexa+ than with the original Alexa, and those who searched for music recommendations listened to nearly 70% more music.

How to get access

You’ll need to join the Alexa+ Early Access program to get access to it. You can join here if you are not already a member of the beta program.

Once the beta ends, Alexa+ will cost $19.99 per month – but will be free for Amazon Prime members.

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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