Apple Music has introduced a new landscape listening experience for iPhone users with iOS 27. Instead of being limited to a portrait-oriented music player, listeners can now turn their iPhone sideways to enjoy a wider view of album artwork, playback controls and song lyrics.

The update is particularly useful for anyone who keeps their iPhone on a desk, beside their bed or connected to a charging stand. It also introduces a more spacious music player for Apple’s new foldable iPhone.

Here’s how Apple Music landscape mode works, how to enable it and what to do if your screen won’t rotate.

What is Apple Music landscape mode?

Landscape mode allows Apple Music’s Now Playing interface to adapt when an iPhone is held horizontally.

Previously, iPhone users were largely restricted to a vertically oriented Apple Music playback screen. With iOS 27, the updated interface makes better use of the available screen width.

The landscape layout offers several improvements:

  • A wider view of album artwork and playback information.
  • Playback controls arranged for horizontal viewing.
  • The ability to display song lyrics alongside album artwork.
  • A more comfortable layout when using an iPhone on a horizontal stand.

The changes make Apple Music more practical as a music display rather than something you only check briefly to change songs.

How to enable landscape mode in Apple Music

You don’t need to install another app to use the feature. Landscape mode is built into Apple Music on supported iPhones running iOS 27.

Follow these steps:

  1. Open the Settings app and select General, then Software Update, to check that your iPhone is running iOS 27.
  2. Open Control Centre by swiping down from the top-right corner of your iPhone.
  3. Make sure Portrait Orientation Lock is switched off.
  4. Open the Apple Music app and start playing a song.
  5. Tap the current song at the bottom of the screen to open Now Playing.
  6. Rotate your iPhone into a horizontal position.

Apple Music should automatically adapt the playback display to landscape orientation.

You can rotate the phone back to portrait at any time to return to the familiar vertical layout.

Can you see album artwork in landscape mode?

Yes. Album artwork remains a central part of the Now Playing experience.

The new horizontal interface allows Apple Music to position artwork and playback information more effectively across the screen.

This is especially useful when listening to an album while working, studying or relaxing at home. Rather than leaving the app in its standard vertical layout, you can use the screen as a dedicated music display.

Can you view lyrics in Apple Music landscape mode?

Yes. One of the most interesting changes in iOS 27 is the ability to display lyrics alongside album artwork in landscape mode.

To try it:

  1. Start playing a song in Apple Music.
  2. Open the Now Playing screen.
  3. Tap the Lyrics button.
  4. Turn your iPhone sideways with Portrait Orientation Lock disabled.

For supported songs, Apple Music can show synchronised lyrics next to the artwork, making it easier to follow the music without constantly scrolling.

Not every song has lyrics available, and some tracks may only offer static lyrics rather than synchronised lines.

Does Apple Music landscape mode work on older iPhones?

The feature is part of iOS 27 rather than being exclusive to the iPhone Duo.

That means compatible older iPhones running the updated software can also benefit from the new layout.

However, the visual experience will depend on screen size. A larger iPhone has more horizontal space available than a smaller model.

Apple Music landscape mode not working? Try these fixes

If Apple Music doesn’t rotate when you turn your phone, there are a few things to check.

Turn off Portrait Orientation Lock

Open Control Centre and make sure the padlock-and-arrow icon is not enabled.

Open the full music player

Try expanding the Now Playing screen instead of remaining on the main Apple Music browsing page. Not every screen in every app necessarily supports the same orientations.

Check your iOS version

The updated landscape playback interface requires iOS 27. Go to Settings > General > Software Update to check for an available update.

Restart Apple Music

Close and reopen the app, then start a song and rotate your device again.

Restart your iPhone

If rotation fails in several supported apps, restarting your iPhone can help rule out a temporary software issue.

Why landscape mode matters for Apple Music

It’s a relatively simple addition, but landscape playback makes Apple Music more versatile.

Modern smartphones are frequently used as portable music systems, connected to wireless speakers, headphones and home audio equipment.

With the improved layout, an iPhone can also become a useful visual companion to whatever you’re listening to.

For anyone using a dock, charging stand or foldable iPhone, the new design is a welcome improvement.

And with iOS 27 also introducing improved AutoMix, a new Friends playlist and larger Home Screen widgets, Apple is continuing to develop Apple Music beyond a straightforward streaming app.

Frequently asked questions

Is Apple Music landscape mode available in iOS 27?

Yes. iOS 27 introduces a horizontal Now Playing layout on compatible iPhones.

Do I need an iPhone Duo to use landscape mode?

No. The feature is available on other compatible iPhone models running iOS 27.

Why won’t Apple Music rotate?

Check that Portrait Orientation Lock is disabled and that you’re using the Now Playing interface on an iPhone running iOS 27.

Can Apple Music show lyrics horizontally?

Yes. Supported tracks can display lyrics alongside album artwork in the landscape playback interface.