Apple Launches iOS 26.4 Public Beta 1 Alongside Additional Features

Recently, Apple unveiled the initial public beta builds for its broad array of operating systems including iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, HomePod software 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4. This follows the release of the first developer beta earlier this week, allowing more users to participate in testing new features.

Overview of New Features in iOS 26.4 and More

Enhanced Podcast Experience

The update to iOS 26.4 brings an exciting addition—support for video-based podcasts within the Apple Podcasts app. Apple describes this enhancement as an “improved video podcast experience, ”allowing users the flexibility to transition between watching video content and listening to audio seamlessly. Furthermore, dynamic video advertisements have also been integrated into the app, promising a more diverse advertising approach.

A significant technical advancement with this update is the implementation of HTTP Live Streaming (HLS).This technology offers users uninterrupted video playback while optimizing audio quality based on their network conditions. Additionally, users can download video podcasts for offline viewing, catering to those who prefer accessing content without a continuous internet connection.

Rich Communication Services (RCS) Messages Encryption

The iOS 26.4 beta introduces a significant feature—a preliminary version of end-to-end (E2E) encryption for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages. RCS enhances the messaging experience between iPhone and Android devices, allowing for the exchange of high-definition media and features like typing indicators and read receipts.

Within the Settings app, users can find a toggle for activating or deactivating this encryption for RCS messages, with the default setting being enabled. Importantly, this E2E encryption currently supports iPhone-to-iPhone communications and provides an alternative for users who might have disabled iMessage. Upon messaging someone with the encryption activated, users will notice a new lock icon in their chat interface.

Stolen Device Protection Features

Another noteworthy enhancement in iOS 26.4 is the automatic activation of Stolen Device Protection. This functionality requires verification via Face ID or Touch ID to gain access to certain sensitive iPhone applications, including the Passwords app, Lost Mode in the Find My app, and functionality within Safari.

Updates to Apple Music

The Apple Music app has undergone significant visual upgrades in iOS 26.4, showcasing a new full-screen layout for albums and playlists. Now, the background color of the track list harmonizes with the artwork of the album or playlist being viewed. Users can also discover local concerts directly through the app, enhancing music exploration.

Additionally, the app introduces a novel method for playlist creation: users may input a theme or idea textually, and the app will generate a curated selection of matching songs, simplifying the process of playlist curation.

Revamped Wallpaper Gallery

iOS 26.4 brings improvements to the Wallpaper Gallery, now offering new categories that enhance organization and ease of use. Users will notice optimizations that culminate in a more responsive and fluid experience when browsing wallpapers.

Data Management in Personal Hotspot

A new feature within Personal Hotspot allows users to view detailed data usage for each connected device. This development is particularly useful for managing mobile data consumption and ensuring a more balanced distribution among connected devices.

Enhancements in Apple Health

Apple Health continues to evolve, with evidence pointing towards a potential AI-powered Health+ service launch. Despite reports indicating a slowdown in the initiative, references to “Health Coaching” and “Health Plans” in iOS 26.4 suggest that the service could be imminent with the next major iOS update. Additionally, blood oxygen readings have been reinstated in the Vitals graph, allowing users to monitor five key health metrics comprehensively. This includes heart rate, respiratory rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen levels, and sleep duration.

The sleep tracking capabilities are also enhanced, now featuring a new “Sleep Highlight” section that tracks two-week average bedtimes and the most recent entries for comparison.

Additional Updates Across Other Platforms

In tandem with iOS 26.4, Apple has also rolled out beta builds for other operating systems:

visionOS 26.4 now supports NVIDIA CloudXR, enabling applications to deliver high-resolution, low-latency immersive content on the Apple Vision Pro.
Both macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 have reinstated compact tabs in the Safari browser.
macOS Tahoe 26.4 introduces a battery limit slider, allowing users to cap their charge level within the range of 80% to 100%.

For more details, you can check the full report here.