Apple Unveils iOS 26.4 Beta: A Comprehensive Look at the Latest Features
Apple has released the first beta of iOS 26.4, introducing a suite of enhancements across its ecosystem. This update brings significant improvements to Apple Music, Messages, Podcasts, and more, reflecting Apple’s commitment to refining user experience and integrating advanced technologies.
Apple Music Enhancements
The iOS 26.4 beta introduces Playlist Playground, an AI-powered feature that allows Apple Music subscribers to create custom playlists using text prompts or song selections. This tool enables users to describe the type of music they desire, specify preferred artists, or convey a particular mood, and the system generates a tailored playlist accordingly. Additionally, the update includes dynamic album backgrounds that match artwork colors, providing a more immersive visual experience. A new Concerts Near You feature has also been added, displaying upcoming performances with ticket details based on the user’s location. ([macworld.com](https://www.macworld.com/article/3062588/ios-26-4-beta-code-teases-ai-playlists-for-apple-music.html?utm_source=openai))
Messages and Security
A notable security enhancement in this beta is the introduction of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging. This ensures that conversations between iPhone and supported Android devices remain private and secure. The feature is currently in beta and can be found in the Messages settings, though it is dependent on carrier support. ([iphoneincanada.ca](https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2026/02/16/whats-new-in-ios-26-4-beta-rcs-encryption-new-apple-music-design-and-more/?utm_source=openai))
Apple Podcasts
The Podcasts app has been upgraded to support advanced video podcast capabilities. Users can now seamlessly switch between watching a video podcast and listening to its audio version within the same interface. This enhancement utilizes Apple’s HLS streaming technology, which adjusts video quality based on network conditions, ensuring stable playback. Additionally, dynamic video ads have been introduced, allowing content providers to insert adaptive advertising without disrupting the user experience. ([iphoneincanada.ca](https://www.iphoneincanada.ca/2026/02/16/whats-new-in-ios-26-4-beta-rcs-encryption-new-apple-music-design-and-more/?utm_source=openai))
Wallpaper and Watch Face Gallery
The Wallpaper Gallery has received a redesign, offering a cleaner layout and clearer category separation. This update allows wallpapers from categories like Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, and Colors to be downloaded directly to the iPhone. Similarly, the Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app features the same design change, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-beta-features/?utm_source=openai))
Reminders App
The Reminders app now includes a new Urgent section. Tasks marked as urgent will automatically appear in this section, accompanied by an alarm to ensure timely notifications. This feature enhances task prioritization and ensures that critical reminders are more visible to users. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-beta-features/?utm_source=openai))
Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default in iOS 26.4. This security layer requires biometric authentication when the device is away from trusted locations like home or work. Certain sensitive actions also include a time delay for a second biometric authentication, adding an extra layer of security to protect user data. ([9to5mac.com](https://9to5mac.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-beta-1-heres-everything-new/?utm_source=openai))
Freeform Creator Studio
Freeform Creator Studio is now live in iOS 26.4, allowing subscribers to access new features within the Freeform app. This includes a dedicated Content Hub housing various shape options and access to high-quality content like graphics, photos, and illustrations. Additionally, AI capabilities for creating and editing images have been introduced, enhancing the app’s functionality for creative users. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-beta-features/?utm_source=openai))
New Home Screen Widget
A new Ambient Music widget has been added for the Home and Lock Screen. This widget supports playing different built-in ambient music options for sleep, productivity, wellbeing, and more, providing users with quick access to mood-enhancing music directly from their home screen. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-beta-features/?utm_source=openai))
iCloud Web Settings
In the iCloud section of the Settings app, there’s now an iCloud.com option, replacing the previous Access iCloud Data on the Web toggle. This setting includes a new Allow Search toggle that lets trusted Apple devices provide search results to iCloud.com, enhancing the integration between devices and iCloud services. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-beta-features/?utm_source=openai))
New Emojis
While not yet available, code within iOS 26.4 suggests that new emoji characters will be introduced in a future beta. Expected additions include trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature (Bigfoot or Sasquatch), fight cloud, apple core, orca, landslide, and ballet dancers, expanding the expressive options for users. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/guide/ios-26-4-beta-features/?utm_source=openai))
CarPlay Video Playback
The iOS 26.4 beta lays the groundwork for CarPlay video playback, including support for Apple TV. This feature, announced at WWDC 2025, allows users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while parked. The implementation requires integration with vehicle systems to ensure the feature is only accessible when the vehicle is stationary, maintaining safety standards. ([macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/02/16/ios-26-4-carplay-video-apple-tv/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
The iOS 26.4 beta introduces a comprehensive array of features and enhancements across Apple’s ecosystem. From AI-driven playlist creation in Apple Music to advanced security measures in Messages and Stolen Device Protection, this update reflects Apple’s dedication to improving user experience, security, and functionality. As the beta progresses, users can anticipate further refinements and the introduction of additional features, solidifying iOS 26.4 as a significant milestone in Apple’s software development.
