iOS 26.4 beta 1 is now available in beta for developers. The update includes a number of new features and changes for iPhone users. There are new changes to the Music app, Messages, Apple Podcasts and more. See below for the full rundown of all the new features in iOS 26.4 beta 1.
iOS 26.4 beta details
iOS 26.4 is available now for developer beta testers. The build number for the update is 23E5207q. Developers can update by going to the Settings app, selecting General, and then selecting Software Update. A public beta will likely roll out sometime in the next few weeks.
What’s new in iOS 26.4 beta 1?
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Apple has added support for testing RCS encrypted messages with iOS 26.4 beta 1. Currently, this only supports iPhone-to-iPhone communication for RCS testing purposes.
Read more: iOS 26.4 beta adds support for testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messages
Apple Podcasts
iOS 26.4 improves the Apple Podcasts app with new “advanced video podcast capabilities.” This refresh makes it easier to switch between watching a video podcast and listening to an audio podcast. The features are based on Apple’s HLS technology, which allows it to power automatic quality adjustment based on network conditions.
Apple is also adding support for dynamic video ads to Apple Podcasts with iOS 26.4.
Read more: Apple Podcasts app gets ‘enhanced video podcast experience’ in iOS 26.4
Apple Music
Apple has made some improvements to the Apple Music app as part of iOS 26.4. When viewing selected albums and playlists, you’ll now see new full-screen artwork that “brings your music to life.”
The update also adds support for finding concerts near you and tour dates for artists in your Apple Music library.
The Profile section of the Music app has also been redesigned with easier access to common tasks. This redesigned Profile interface also appears in the App Store, Apple Podcasts, and Apple TV.
Read more: Apple Music in iOS 26.4 has a new design for albums, playlists and more
Playlist Playground
iOS 26.4 also adds a new Apple Intelligence feature to the Music app. Playlist Playground allows you to create playlists based on text descriptions or preset requests.
Read more: iOS 26.4 beta adds new AI feature ‘Playlist Playground’ for Apple Music
Wallpaper gallery
iOS 26.4 introduces a redesigned Wallpaper Gallery that further separates the different categories of available options. The interface is also much cleaner than before and faster to respond to input. Apple has released a design similar to the Apple Watch face gallery.
Read more: iOS 26.4 redesigns the Wallpaper Gallery
reminders
In the Reminders app, iOS 26.4 adds a new smart list for tasks you’ve marked as Urgent. This is based on the new Emergency setting that Apple added to Reminders as part of iOS 26.2 last year. When you set a task as urgent, the Reminders app will set an alarm to remind you of it.
New home screen widget
iOS 26.4 adds a new Home screen widget that gives you quick access to ambient music playlists in Apple Music.
Stolen device protection
According to MacRumorsStolen device protection is now enabled by default in iOS 26.4. When activatedStolen device protection requires biometric authentication when away from trusted places like home and work. It also includes a time delay for a second biometric authentication for some sensitive actions.
Prior to iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection had to be manually enabled by iPhone users.
App Store
In the App Store, the search bar has moved back to the top of the search tab. The search tab is also now integrated into the bottom navigation bar instead of being separated into its own floating circle.
More changes
- There’s a new shortcut action for setting your iPhone’s charge limit, as well as removing and adding locations to Weather.
- iPadOS 26.4 Spreads compact tab bar back in Safari
- New icon for Freeform, as well as a new splash screen around Apple Creator Studio
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We’ll continue to update this story as we discover more new features in iOS 26.4. If you notice anything new, let us know in the comments.
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