Apple has rolled out the first beta of iOS 26. 4 to developers. The beta version of the upcoming update introduces several new features, including video podcast support, updates to Stolen Device Protection, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, and an Apple Music tool for generating playlists.
However, the beta is currently limited to developers, with a public beta anticipated in the next couple of weeks. According to a report from MacRumors, additional changes and features have been identified in the first beta release, marking a notable update to the
iPhone’s operating system. Here are all the changes that are expected to arrive with the iOS 26. 4 update:
Apple releases the first beta of iOS 26.4: All changes that are expected to arrive
Apple is rolling out a range of new features and refinements in iOS 26.4 across its apps and services, with updates focused on content discovery, security, and everyday usability.
In Apple Music, a new Playlist Playground feature will let users create playlists from text prompts. Users can enter an idea, mood, or theme and receive automated song suggestions. Apple even provides preset prompts such as
or
The feature generates a 25-song playlist with a suggested title. Users can further refine it by adding additional prompts, selecting a cover image, and adding a description.
Apple Music even includes a “Concerts Near You” section to surface local shows and tour dates, along with redesigned albums and playlists that now feature full-page artwork. Users can also add a song to multiple playlists simultaneously through an updated interface.
Apple Podcasts now supports video podcasts via HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) with iOS 26.4. The update allows users to switch between audio and video playback, download video episodes for offline viewing, and view content over Wi-Fi or cellular networks.
The app’s current features, such as editorial sections and personalised recommendations, incorporate video podcasts.
Security updates include Stolen Device Protection, which is now enabled by default for all iPhone users. Introduced in 2023, the feature adds extra authentication requirements for sensitive actions such as accessing passwords, making Safari purchases, or changing Find My settings. Some actions are blocked entirely without Face ID or Touch ID, while others require a one-hour security delay.
In iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. As a result, encrypted messaging between Android and iPhone devices is now more comparable to iMessage; encrypted RCS messages will display a lock icon. Apple is currently testing RCS encryption between iPhones; a future update is anticipated to provide wider cross-platform support. New animations for actions such as initiating a new conversation are also available in the Messages app.
A new centralised Apple Account hub replaces profile sections in individual apps such as the App Store and Apple Music. Although functionality remains unchanged, the App Store introduces a clearer distinction among apps, purchases, and updates. App updates require two taps to access, and the navigation bar no longer includes a dedicated Search button; search now appears at the top of the screen when selected.
iOS 26.4 introduces an Ambient Music widget to the Home and Lock Screen, providing built-in sound options for sleep, focus, and wellness.
Apple has also updated the Wallpaper Gallery, allowing users to easily browse and download wallpapers by category, including Weather, Astronomy, and Emoji. The same design refresh has been implemented on the Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app.
Freeform gains Creator Studio support in iOS 26.4, giving subscribers access to a Content Hub with additional shapes, graphics, photos, and illustrations, along with AI-powered image creation and editing tools.
Freeform also receives a new app icon.
Reminders now include a new “Urgent” category that automatically triggers an alarm notification to prevent missed reminders. In iCloud settings, a new iCloud.com preference replaces the previous web access preference and adds an “Allow Search” preference for trusted devices.
Health adds a new Average Bedtime feature to the Sleep category and an enhanced Vitals view in the US, which displays blood oxygen saturation readings directly on daily line graphs.
Camera settings include an “Audio Zoom” preference that adjusts the audio recorded when zooming during video recording.
CarPlay references suggest Apple TV support may be added in the future, allowing video playback on a vehicle’s display when parked. Apple has also reiterated plans to support AirPlay video streaming to CarPlay screens.
Additional system modifications include relocating hotspot data usage information, adding Chinese (Taiwan) as a language option for Live Captions, making minor visual changes to passcode entry screens, and adding a Shortcuts action that lets users set a battery charge limit. Although iOS 26.4 does not contain any new emojis, code references suggest that new characters will be added in a later release.
For users in the European Union, Apple is testing notification forwarding to third-party wearables and proximity pairing for accessories, enabling one-tap pairing, similar to AirPods.
