Spotify Launches AI Audiobook Recaps and Shuffle Update

Spotify launched a new beta feature on Wednesday for its iOS app, introducing AI-powered audio summaries for select English-language audiobooks to help listeners resume stories without losing context. The company also rolled out an update to its shuffle functionality for Premium subscribers, aimed at reducing song repetitions in playlists.

Called Recaps, the audiobook tool generates short summaries of the content users have already heard, functioning like a "previously on" segment in television shows. Available after listeners progress through the first 15 to 20 minutes of a supported title, the Recap button appears above the chapters list on the audiobook page. Tapping it delivers an audio refresher tailored to the user's current point, updating automatically as listening continues. Spotify emphasized that the summaries avoid spoilers by covering only completed sections, addressing common challenges like forgetting plot details after a break due to busy schedules or distractions.

The feature is initially limited to a small selection of titles, with plans to expand availability in the coming months. Spotify developed Recaps in collaboration with publishing partners to enhance...