Apple Music has launched new playlists and curated content for “The Best of 2026” and also revealed its new Artist of the Year.
Apple Music launches curated playlists at the end of 2026, names Olivia Dean as artist of the year
As the year draws to a close, Apple Music’s editorial teams have released various year-end playlists and other content.
On the ‘New’ tab in Apple Music, you’ll find ‘Best of 2026’ versions of popular playlists like Rap Life, R&B Now, A-List Pop, Today’s Country and more.
Additionally, Apple Music has named its 2026 Artist of the Year: Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean has today been named Apple Music Artist of the Year, recognizing her undeniable rise to stardom in what has been the defining feel-good music story of 2026. She is the first British artist to receive the honour.
Olivia’s album from late 2025, The art of lovingreally broke through this year. Her hit song “Man I Need” has charted on Apple Music’s Daily Top 100 every day since it was first released on August 29, 2025. In addition to selling out her worldwide tour, she won a GRAMMY for Best New Artist and four BRIT Awards, including Artist of the Year. In Fall 2025, Olivia opened for Sabrina Carpenter at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Less than a year later, she returned for her own four-night residency, following it up with six sold-out nights at The O2 Arena in London.
As Apple has done for the past few years, it’s gifting Dean with physical material that includes Apple’s own silicon wafer “suspended between a polished sheet of glass and a machined and anodized aluminum body.”
Artist of the year went to Tyler, The Creator last year, Billie Eilish in 2024 and Taylor Swift in 2023.
Apple Music is available for $11.99 per monthor you can get it as a part Apple One package.
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