Apple is testing iOS 26.4 with developers and public beta users, with the update introducing RCS end-to-end encryption testing, a security setting change that enables Stolen Device Protection by default, and a range of new features across Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and Apple Health. The third beta is currently available, according to Apple’s release notes.
A public release is expected sometime in late March or early April, based on the historical release timing of comparable updates.
Apple Music Gains New Features With iOS 26.4
One of the main focuses of iOS 26.4 is the Apple Music app. The update adds a number of improvements, including:
- A new Concerts section that shows nearby shows and tour dates for artists in your library
- Full-screen animated artwork for albums and playlists
- A redesigned Profile page with easier access to account settings and subscriptions
- The ability to add a song to multiple playlists at once
AI Playlist Playground
Apple Music also receives a new AI-powered tool called Playlist Playground. This feature uses Apple Intelligence to generate playlists from text prompts. For example, users can type descriptions like “relaxing songs from the 1990s,” and the app will automatically create a playlist. Once created, the playlist can be refined with additional prompts.
New Ambient Music Widgets
iOS 26.4 adds a set of Ambient Music widgets that can be placed on the Home Screen. These widgets allow users to quickly start music designed for specific moods: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing. The widgets are available in small and medium sizes.
Apple Reminders Gains an Urgent task list
The Reminders app receives a small but useful improvement. Tasks marked as Urgent will now appear in a dedicated Smart List that shows all urgent items in one place. The feature builds on changes introduced earlier that automatically create alarms for urgent reminders.
Encrypted RCS Messaging In Testing
Apple has also added early testing support for end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app. When enabled, encrypted chats show a lock icon similar to the one already used for iMessage conversations.
However, Apple says the encryption feature is included only for testing and will arrive in a later iOS update rather than the final iOS 26.4 release.
Apple Podcasts Improves Video Support
The Apple Podcasts app receives a major update focused on video podcasts. The update simplifies switching between watching videos and listening to audio versions of podcasts. Apple is also adding support for dynamic video advertising, with streaming powered by its HLS technology to automatically adjust quality based on connection speed.
Apple Health sleep improvements
iOS 26.4 expands the data available in Apple Health. New additions include:
- A new average bedtime metric for tracking sleep habits
- The return of Blood Oxygen readings in the Vitals graph
The blood oxygen change follows earlier adjustments related to Apple’s ongoing patent dispute around the feature.
Stolen Device Protection Is Enabled By Default
Apple is also making a security change. Stolen Device Protection will now be enabled by default for iPhone users. The feature requires Face ID authentication and additional security checks when performing sensitive actions away from trusted locations such as home or work.
Many More Changes In iOS 26.4
The update also introduces several smaller interface and system changes:
- The Search bar in the App Store has moved back to the top of the Search tab
- The Wallpaper Gallery has been redesigned with clearer categories
- The Apple Watch face gallery layout has been updated
- A new Reduce Highlighting Effects accessibility option has been added
- Control Center pop-ups now appear with dark backgrounds in Dark Mode
- A new iCloud search setting allows searching Photos and files from iCloud.com
- Freeform Creator Studio is now available for subscribers
Release Timeline of iOS 26.4
iOS 26.4 is still in beta testing, and Apple may add or change features before the final release. If testing continues on schedule, the update will likely roll out to all compatible iPhones later this spring.
Apple has not confirmed a final release date for iOS 26.4 or specified which features currently in testing will ship in the final build.
