Highlights

• Shazam’s latest update enables music identification through headphones.
• Compatible with various apps including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
• Works with both wired and Bluetooth headphones, not just AirPods.
• Integration of Shazam across Apple devices continues with iOS and macOS updates.

Apple has recently rolled out an exciting update for the Shazam app on iOS, enhancing the way users interact with music.

The update, version 17.3, introduces a new feature that allows users to identify songs playing in their environment or through other apps while they’re wearing headphones.

“You can now identify music while wearing headphones (wired or Bluetooth). Simply open the app, check for the headphone icon to confirm your headphones are connected, and then start recognising music around you or within apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube,” said Apple about the Shazam update.

Expanding Shazam’s Capabilities

Previously, Shazam enabled users to identify songs playing externally, but the latest update extends this functionality to when users are wearing headphones, both wired and Bluetooth.

This means users can now use Shazam to identify songs playing on apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube directly through their headphones.

Testing the new feature reveals its seamless integration. For instance, you can open Shazam, then switch to a YouTube video.

Shazam will actively recognize any song playing in the video. When switching back to Shazam, the app displays the identified song, showcasing its capability to work across various applications.

Not Limited to AirPods

Importantly, this feature isn’t restricted to Apple’s AirPods; it works with any connected headphones.

This makes the update accessible to a broader range of users, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to inclusive technology enhancements.

Since Apple’s acquisition of Shazam in December 2017, the company has been steadily integrating the music recognition service across its devices and operating systems.

This includes the introduction of a Shazam widget in the Control Center in iOS 14.2 and a similar feature on macOS Sonoma 14.2.

FAQs

What does the new Shazam update offer?

The latest update to Shazam’s iOS app allows users to identify music playing through headphones, enhancing the app’s functionality with added convenience.

Can Shazam identify songs from other apps while using headphones?

Yes, with the new update, Shazam can recognize music playing in other apps, like TikTok or YouTube, when the user is wearing headphones.

Do I need AirPods to use the new Shazam feature?

No, the updated Shazam feature supports music identification with any wired or Bluetooth headphones, not just Apple’s AirPods.

How does Shazam’s integration into Apple’s ecosystem evolve with this update?

This update is part of Apple’s ongoing effort to integrate Shazam more deeply into its ecosystem, as seen with the Control Center widget in iOS and similar functionality in macOS.

What’s new with the latest Shazam update?

As described in the release notes for version 17.3 of the Shazam app for iPhone and iPad, users can now open the app to identify a song that is playing while wearing headphones. The coolest part is that the new feature works for songs playing around you or in another app, such as Instagram or TikTok.

“You can now identify music while wearing headphones (wired or Bluetooth). Simply open the app, check for the headphone icon to confirm your headphones are connected, and then start recognizing music around you or within apps like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube,” says Apple about the Shazam update.

I’ve tried out the new feature and it works as promised. For example, you can open the Shazam app and then switch to YouTube and Shazam will identify any songs playing in the video you’re watching. The same applies to almost any other app you can think of. When you switch back to Shazam, it shows you the identified song.

It was already possible to identify songs within other apps with Shazam before this update, but not while wearing headphones. If nothing is playing on your phone, Shazam will identify the song playing in the background, as expected. It’s worth noting that the feature doesn’t seem to require AirPods specifically.

Apple acquired Shazam in December 2017 and has gradually been integrating it across all its platforms. In iOS 14.2, for example, Apple added a dedicated Control Center widget on iPhone for Shazam. That same functionality is now available on the Mac with macOS Sonoma 14.2.

How the new Shazam feature works?

To utilize this feature, simply open the Shazam app and confirm if your headphones are connected by looking for the headphone icon.

The app can then identify songs playing in several apps.

For example, you can switch from Shazam to YouTube, and the app will recognize any songs playing in the video being viewed.

Upon returning to Shazam, the identified song will be displayed.
Note that if your phone isn’t playing anything, Shazam will identify the music in the background.

Apple’s integration of Shazam across platforms.Details?

Apple acquired Shazam in December 2017 and has since been integrating it into various platforms.

In iOS 14.2, Apple introduced a dedicated Control Center widget for Shazam on iPhone.
This functionality is now also available on Mac with macOS Sonoma 14.2.

The latest update signifies another step in Apple’s integration of Shazam across its devices. The Shazam app can be downloaded for free on the App Store.

Does the updated Shazam feature support wired and Bluetooth headphones?

Yes, the updated Shazam feature extends to both wired and Bluetooth audio devices.

What was a limitation of Shazam before this update?

Previously, Shazam allowed song recognition in other apps but did not support this functionality when the user had headphones on.

How has Apple’s acquisition of Shazam influenced the app?

Since Apple acquired Shazam, the app has been more deeply integrated into the iOS ecosystem, including a Shazam widget in the iOS Control Center and expansion onto the Mac platform.

Is Shazam free for download?

Yes, Shazam remains free for download in the App Store for all iPhone and iPad users.

Does Shazam still function independently after being acquired by Apple?

Yes, despite the acquisition and the integrations, Shazam retains its autonomous functionality and user-friendly appeal.

Also Read: Apple Adds Concert Recommendations to Shazam For iOS Devices