Apple to Release iOS 26.4 Beta with Enhanced Siri Features in Late February
Apple is poised to release the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 during the week of February 23, 2026, marking a significant step toward the Apple Intelligence and Siri enhancements announced at WWDC 2024. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-beta-release-date-revealed/?utm_source=openai)) This update is expected to introduce key features aimed at enhancing user interaction and device functionality.
Anticipated Siri Enhancements:
– Personal Context: Siri will gain the ability to access and retrieve information from personal data sources such as notes, emails, and messages, providing more relevant and personalized responses. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-heres-when-apple-will-release-the-first-beta/?utm_source=openai))
– In-App and Cross-App Actions: Users will be able to command Siri to perform specific tasks within and across various applications, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-heres-when-apple-will-release-the-first-beta/?utm_source=openai))
– On-Screen Awareness: Siri will become more contextually aware, enabling it to understand and act upon the content currently displayed on the screen, thereby offering more intuitive assistance. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-heres-when-apple-will-release-the-first-beta/?utm_source=openai))
Additional Features:
The iOS 26.4 update is also set to introduce a new set of emojis, including designs like a pickle, an apple core, a fight cloud, and a treasure chest, adding more variety to user communications. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-heres-when-apple-will-release-the-first-beta/?utm_source=openai))
Release Timeline:
Following the developer beta release in late February, a public beta is anticipated to follow shortly thereafter, with the final version expected to be available to all users by the end of March. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-heres-when-apple-will-release-the-first-beta/?utm_source=openai))
Strategic Focus:
Apple’s approach with iOS 26.4 reflects a strategic emphasis on stability and performance, with plans to roll out the more advanced, chatbot-style Siri in stages across this and subsequent updates. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/08/ios-26-4-beta-release-date-revealed/?utm_source=openai))
