Unlock the Power of Karaoke with Apple Music

How to Use Apple Music in Karaoke Mode

The karaoke mode is available on the iPhone and iPad running iOS 16.2 or later. It even enables you to host a karaoke party with your Apple TV, but only if you have the third-generation model from November 2022. It's important to note that you need a subscription to Apple Music. Songs ripped from CDs or downloaded from other sources may not have lyrics or the karaoke-like feature. Songs bought on iTunes in the traditional way might have live lyrics but won't work with Apple Music Sing.

To start using the karaoke mode, simply find a song that supports the new feature. Tap the Lyrics button in the bottom left and then tap the Microphone button to the right (if available). Turn on Lyrics by tapping the ” button in the bottom-left. If the song supports lyrics, tap the microphone icon above the progress bar. The song will pause for a moment and then continue playing with quieter lyrics. You can slide up and down on the microphone icon to adjust the volume of the lyrics separately from the music. You can't turn the vocals completely off, but you can get them quite quiet. Tap the microphone icon at any time to bring the vocals back up to full volume.

Live Lyrics Are Even More Dynamic

When playing the right song, you'll notice something new. Not only does it show the right line at the right time, but it also brightens the words as they're being spoken, just like a classic karaoke machine. If you're playing a duet, the companion part will show with the lyrics pushed to the right side. This allows you and your partner to sing with confidence without getting confused about who does which part. The functionality is truly remarkable and I'm excited to see more lyrics updated with this feature.

However, there is a slight issue when using the karaoke mode in the car with an older Bluetooth sound system. Many Bluetooth speakers have a one- or two-second delay, causing the lyrics to be a little slow. In some cases, like in my wife's car, the lag is significant enough that most lyrics are already offscreen by the time you hear them over the speakers.

Apple Music in Karaoke Mode Is a Lot of Fun

I may not have a great singing voice, but I still love singing along to my favorites in the car with Apple Music in karaoke mode. When I'm reading or writing, listening to music can be distracting. But by turning down the vocal tracks, I can continue enjoying my favorite pop albums. It's a great way to enhance the listening experience.

Despite the excitement, there is still the typical confusion associated with Apple Music. Lyrics support has always been a bit inconsistent. I have a mixed library with music imported to iTunes, bought on the iTunes Music Store, and added through Apple Music. It's frustrating when Apple knows I paid for a song but doesn't enable the lyrics or Sing features. It makes me question the seamless integration that Apple promises.

Overall, Apple Music's karaoke feature is a great addition, but there are still some areas that need improvement. It has the potential to become an essential part of the music-listening experience, but for now, it's a bit of a mixed bag.