Unveiling iOS 26.4 Beta: Hidden Features and Enhancements You Need to Know
Apple’s latest iOS 26.4 beta introduces a suite of enhancements and new features designed to improve user experience across various applications. Here’s a comprehensive look at the notable updates:
Health App Enhancements
– Average Bedtime Metric: The Sleep section now includes an Average Bedtime metric, offering insights into how your bedtime habits affect sleep quality. This feature displays your actual bedtime alongside your average bedtime over a two-week period, aiding in better sleep pattern analysis.
– Vitals Section Update: In the U.S., the Vitals section has been updated to include blood oxygen levels in the daily line graph overview. Previously, while blood oxygen data was available, it wasn’t integrated into the main graph, making it less accessible.
Camera App Improvements
– Audio Zoom Feature: A new Audio Zoom option in the Camera settings allows the microphone to focus on the subject when zooming during video recording. This feature can be toggled on or off based on user preference, enhancing audio clarity in videos.
CarPlay Developments
– Apple TV Integration: References to Apple TV support within CarPlay suggest that users may soon be able to watch Apple TV content on their car’s dashboard when the vehicle is stationary. This aligns with Apple’s earlier announcement about introducing AirPlay video content to CarPlay displays.
Apple Music Enhancements
– Playlist Management: Users can now add a song to multiple playlists simultaneously. Within the Add to Playlist interface, a new list button allows for the selection of multiple playlists at once, streamlining playlist organization.
Personal Hotspot Data Visibility
– Data Usage Display: The location of hotspot data usage metrics has been moved for easier access. Instead of being buried under Cellular settings, data usage is now prominently displayed in the Personal Hotspot section, providing a clearer overview of data consumption.
Live Captions Expansion
– New Language Support: The Live Captions feature in the Accessibility settings now supports Chinese (Taiwan), broadening its usability for a more diverse user base.
Passcode Settings Refinement
– Interface Adjustment: In the Face ID and Passcode section, the text alignment has been updated. When entering a passcode to access options, the text is now center-aligned, offering a more consistent visual experience.
Shortcuts App Addition
– Set Charge Limit Action: A new Set Charge Limit action has been added to the Shortcuts app, allowing users to set a battery charge limit for their iPhone, potentially extending battery lifespan.
Upcoming Emoji Additions
– New Characters: While not yet available, code within iOS 26.4 suggests the introduction of new emoji characters in future updates. Anticipated additions include a trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature (Bigfoot), fight cloud, apple core, orca, landslide, and ballet dancers.
Health App Additional Metrics
– Average Bedtime Highlight: The Sleep section now features an Average Bedtime highlight, displaying both the time you went to bed and your usual bedtime based on a two-week average, aiding in sleep pattern analysis.
– Blood Oxygen Level Graph: The Vitals section has been updated to include blood oxygen levels in the daily line graph overview, providing a more comprehensive view of health metrics.
Camera App Audio Enhancement
– Audio Zoom Option: A new Audio Zoom feature in the Camera settings allows the microphone to focus on the subject when zooming during video recording, enhancing audio clarity.
CarPlay Video Playback Preparation
– Apple TV Support: References to Apple TV support within CarPlay suggest upcoming functionality for watching Apple TV content on the car’s dashboard when stationary, aligning with Apple’s plans to introduce AirPlay video content to CarPlay displays.
Apple Music Playlist Management
– Multiple Playlist Addition: Users can now add a song to multiple playlists simultaneously through a new list button in the Add to Playlist interface, streamlining playlist organization.
Personal Hotspot Data Usage Display
– Prominent Data Metrics: Hotspot data usage metrics have been relocated to the Personal Hotspot section for easier access, providing a clearer overview of data consumption.
Live Captions Language Support
– Chinese (Taiwan) Addition: The Live Captions feature now supports Chinese (Taiwan), expanding accessibility for a broader user base.
Passcode Settings Interface Update
– Text Alignment Change: In the Face ID and Passcode section, text alignment has been updated to center alignment when entering a passcode, offering a more consistent visual experience.
Shortcuts App New Action
– Set Charge Limit: A Set Charge Limit action has been added to the Shortcuts app, allowing users to set a battery charge limit for their iPhone, potentially extending battery lifespan.
Upcoming Emoji Characters
– New Additions: Code within iOS 26.4 suggests the future introduction of new emoji characters, including a trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature (Bigfoot), fight cloud, apple core, orca, landslide, and ballet dancers.
