iOS 26.4 Release Date: Here’s When New iPhone Features Are Coming – 9to5Mac

iOS 26.4 is a major update with many new features across Apple Music, Podcasts, CarPlay and more. Here’s when to expect its public launch.

iOS 26.4 is expected to roll out next week to all users

The next big iPhone update is iOS 26.4 and it’s coming very soon.

Here are the release dates for last years x.4 updates:

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

Based on this model, we’ve been expecting a mid-to-late March debut.

But today brought an exciting development: iOS 26.4 RC (release candidate) reached.

iOS 26.4 RC is available to beta testers, but is expected to provide the exact software build that ships to all users at the public launch.

Since iOS 26.4 RC is here, we’re waiting iOS 26.4 on launches for all users next weeksince March 23.

It is very typical for a public launch to occur the week after RC ships are built.

If Apple doesn’t need to test additional RC builds, we could see iOS 26.4 released on Monday, March 23. But if bugs are discovered that require a new RC first, the release could be pushed back to later in the week.

Either way, iOS 26.4 should be rolling out to all users within the next week or so.

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 let users 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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