Apple has officially released the first public beta of iOS 26.4, bringing a substantial list of new features to the iPhone. While the highly anticipated next-generation Siri experience remains delayed, this update is far from empty. The new software introduces an AI-powered music playlist generator, seamless video podcast integration, and crucial security upgrades like end-to-end encrypted messaging. The update is currently available for beta testers, with a full public launch expected in March or April.
Smarter Music and Podcast Experiences
One of the standout additions in iOS 26.4 is the “Playlist Playground” in Apple Music. Powered by Apple Intelligence, this feature allows users to generate custom 25-song playlists using simple text prompts, such as an “upbeat workout mix” or a “calm evening.” After the artificial intelligence generates the list, users can refine the song choices and select matching cover art. The Apple Music interface has also been updated to display full-screen artwork for albums and playlists. Additionally, a new “Concerts Near You” section helps music fans discover live shows, allowing users to filter events by date and genre, or change their location while traveling.
Apple Podcasts is also receiving a major update by introducing support for video episodes. Using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), the app allows listeners to seamlessly transition between audio and video formats during the same episode. Users can rotate their devices for a full horizontal video display, download video episodes for offline viewing, and benefit from automatic quality adjustments that optimize playback on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. At launch, this video feature is supported by major hosting platforms like Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM. Content creators will also be able to insert dynamic video advertisements, with participating ad networks paying an impression-based fee starting later this year.
Crucial Security and Privacy Upgrades
Security is a primary focus of the iOS 26.4 beta, with Stolen Device Protection now enabled by default. This feature was originally developed in response to a rise in targeted iPhone thefts, where thieves would observe a user’s passcode, steal the device, and quickly change the Apple ID password to lock the victim out of sensitive accounts. To prevent this, Stolen Device Protection requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication—with no passcode fallback—before making critical account changes. It also enforces a one-hour security delay, giving victims time to mark their device as lost and wipe their data. Users can set this delay to activate “Always” or only when “Away from Familiar Locations.”
The messaging experience is also getting a significant privacy boost. Apple is beginning to test end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages. While basic RCS support was added in a previous update to improve texting with Android users by enabling read receipts, typing indicators, and high-quality images, standard RCS only encrypts messages in transit. This means messages could potentially be accessed on a server. The new end-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read the messages. Currently, this encrypted RCS feature is only testing on newly created message threads between iPhones in the beta program, and these secure conversations are clearly labeled as “Encrypted.” Apple notes that not all carriers and devices support the feature yet, but it will see a wider release in a future software update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.
Enhancements for CarPlay and Creators
Drivers and passengers will find new entertainment and utility options in Apple CarPlay. The system now supports in-car video playback for select applications, including the Apple TV app. To ensure safety, video playback is restricted to when the vehicle is completely parked, offering a new way to pass the time while waiting in the car. Furthermore, CarPlay is introducing support for third-party artificial intelligence services for the first time, granting users access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude directly from their dashboard.
For iPhone videographers, the Camera app now includes an Audio Zoom feature. When recording video, the microphone automatically focuses on the subject as the camera zooms in. This reduces background noise and improves vocal clarity, making it much easier to record speeches or interviews without needing to connect external audio equipment.
Additional System Improvements
The iOS 26.4 public beta includes dozens of smaller refinements across the operating system. The Reminders app introduces a new “Urgent” section that groups high-priority tasks and triggers prominent alarms as deadlines approach. For relaxation, the Ambient Music feature—which provides background soundscapes for sleep, focus, or productivity—is now accessible via a dedicated Home Screen widget rather than just the Control Center.
Other notable changes include a unified Apple Account Hub replacing the old profile menus in apps like the App Store and Apple Music. The Health app now tracks your Average Bedtime over a two-week period and displays blood oxygen levels on the daily Vitals graph. Finally, users will notice a new drafting animation in the Messages app, a redesigned Wallpaper Gallery with new categories, and a dedicated Data Usage section for the Personal Hotspot feature.
