iOS 26.4 release date: Here’s when to expect new iPhone features – 9to5Mac

iOS 26.4 is a major update with many new features for Apple Music, Podcasts, CarPlay and more. The software is currently available in beta, here’s when to expect its public launch.

iOS 26.4 is expected to be released at the end of March for all users

The next big iPhone update will be iOS 26.4. And while Apple is still in beta testing of the update, looking back at the x.4 release history, we can get a good idea of ​​when to expect the public release of iOS 26.4.

Here are the release dates for previous years’ updates:

• iOS 18.4: Monday, March 31
• iOS 17.4: Tuesday, March 5
• iOS 16.4: Monday, March 27
• iOS 15.4: Monday, March 14

Apple has clearly been consistent with the release month, sticking to March for the past few years. As a result, iOS 26.4 will most likely launch in March as well.

But if we want to further narrow down the release window, it’s useful to consider Apple’s beta release dates as well.

The first betas for iOS 18.4 and 16.4 debuted in mid-to-late February. Meanwhile, beta testing for iOS 17.4 and 15.4 began earlier – at the end of January.

So updates that launched in late March started beta testing in February, while early March launches sent their first betas in January.

The first beta version of iOS 26.4 has arrived last week on February 16, following the trend of iOS 18.4 and 16.4.

Thus, the public release date of iOS 26.4 is expected to be at the end of March.

Apple has already shipped two beta versions, so it’s possible that the testing cycle will move faster and we’ll see a mid-March release instead. One way or another, though, we’re likely just weeks away from the public release of iOS 26.4.

New features come in iOS 26.4

Apple’s latest software update, iOS 26.3, was light on new features. But iOS 26.4 offers much more for iPhone users to enjoy.

New features include:

• Apple Music there are five new featureslike the Playlist Playground AI tool, new design for albums and playlists, concert information and more
• Apple Podcasts EARNINGS an improved and modernized video experience
• CarPlay introduces support for AI chatbot applications and video playback
• Health app Spreads new Sleep and Vitals data
• Free form GET Exclusive features of Apple Creator Studio
• reminders THERE a new ‘Urgent’ smart list
• The wallpaper gallery has has been renewed

iOS 26.4 beta too allows users to test end-to-end encryption for RCS, but Apple says this feature won’t be rolled out to all users until a future iOS update.

What new iOS 26.4 features are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments.

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