iOS 26.4 Public Beta is Here: What’s New

Key Highlights:

  • CarPlay adds parked-only video playback and third-party AI access.
  • iOS 26.4 public beta introduces AI-generated playlists in Apple Music.
  • Apple Podcasts now supports video episodes with offline downloads.
  • Encrypted RCS messaging begins testing between iPhones.

Apple has released the iOS 26.4 public beta, bringing a wave of AI-driven features, media upgrades, and security changes to iPhones. The update adds AI playlist generation in Apple Music, video podcast support, encrypted RCS messaging, and new CarPlay capabilities. The stable release is expected in March or April.

The iOS 26.4 update is now available to public beta testers and reflects Apple’s growing focus on practical, system-wide AI features rather than headline-grabbing experiments.

What’s New in iOS 26.4?

The latest update touches music, podcasts, messaging, security, and in-car experiences. Instead of one big redesign, Apple focuses on multiple functional upgrades that quietly change how users interact with everyday apps.

Apple Music gains a new AI-powered feature called Playlist Playground, built using Apple Intelligence. It allows users to generate a 25-song playlist from a simple text prompt.

Users can type prompts like “upbeat workout mix” or “calm evening music.” The system instantly creates a playlist. After that, users can refine the results, swap tracks, or regenerate suggestions. Apple also lets users choose matching cover art for each playlist.

In addition, Apple Music’s interface now highlights full-screen artwork for albums and playlists. This change makes browsing more visual and immersive, especially on larger iPhone displays.

What Is the ‘Concerts Near You’ Feature in Apple Music?

Apple Music now includes a Concerts Near You section. This feature helps users discover live shows by artists they already follow.

Users can filter concerts by date or genre. They can also change locations manually, which helps when traveling. The feature pulls artist data directly from Apple Music listening habits, making recommendations more personalized.

Apple Podcasts Adds Video Episodes: What Changes?

Following the rise of video podcasts, Apple Podcasts now supports video episodes. Creators can publish video using HTTP Live Streaming, or HLS.

Listeners can switch between audio-only and video playback within the same episode. When video is enabled, the player expands into a full horizontal view. Users can also download video episodes for offline viewing.

Video podcasts integrate fully with Apple Podcasts features. These include personalized recommendations, editorial curation, and category pages. Quality automatically adjusts based on Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity. At launch, HLS video support includes platforms like Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM services.

Apple also confirms that creators can insert dynamic video ads, including host-read segments. While Apple still does not charge creators to publish podcasts, ad networks will later pay an impression-based delivery fee for video ads.

Is RCS Messaging Encrypted in iOS 26.4?

Messaging receives a major security upgrade in iOS 26.4. Apple begins testing end-to-end encryption for Rich Communication Services, or RCS. Currently, this encryption works only between iPhones running the beta. Encrypted conversations are clearly labeled. Messages cannot be read in transit between devices.

Apple says encrypted RCS will eventually allow secure messaging between iPhone and Android users, similar to iMessage. The company plans to roll out the feature publicly in a later update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. Availability will depend on device and carrier support.

Why Is Stolen Device Protection Now Enabled by Default?

Security remains a focus in iOS 26.4. Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default.

This feature adds extra biometric checks for sensitive actions. These include accessing saved passwords or making account changes. Even if someone knows your passcode, they still need Face ID or Touch ID in more situations. The change aims to reduce unauthorized access if a phone is stolen.

What’s New in CarPlay With iOS 26.4?

CarPlay gains two notable upgrades.

First, CarPlay now supports in-car video playback for select apps, including Apple TV. Video works only when the vehicle is parked. Apple says this is designed for safety and for passengers waiting in the car.

Second, CarPlay introduces access to third-party AI services. For the first time, drivers can interact with tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude through supported apps. Apple positions this as optional access rather than a replacement for Siri.

Audio Zoom Comes to the Camera App

The Camera app introduces Audio Zoom. When users zoom in while recording video, the microphone focuses on the subject. This reduces background noise and improves clarity. The feature is useful for recording speeches, performances, or interviews without external microphones.

Ambient Music Gets a Home Screen Widget

Ambient Music is now accessible through a Home Screen widget. Users can instantly play soundscapes for sleep, focus, or relaxation.

Previously, this feature lived only in Control Center. It includes categories like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

What Are ‘Urgent’ Reminders?

The Reminders app adds a new Urgent section. High-priority tasks appear here automatically.

When a reminder is marked Urgent, the system triggers stronger alerts as deadlines approach. An alarm is added to ensure the reminder is not missed.

Smaller Changes You Might Miss

iOS 26.4 also includes several smaller updates:

  • A unified Apple Account Hub replaces profile sections in multiple apps
  • Messages adds a new animation while drafting texts
  • Wallpaper and Watch Face galleries get redesigned categories
  • Apple Music allows adding songs to multiple playlists at once
  • Health adds Average Bedtime and blood oxygen data in Vitals
  • Personal Hotspot now shows detailed data usage
  • Live Captions adds support for Chinese (Taiwan)
  • Shortcuts adds a Set Battery Charge Limit action
  • The App Store search bar returns to the top
  • iCloud.com gets a more prominent Settings placement

Notably, a next-generation Siri experience is missing. Apple has signaled deeper AI plans for Siri, but those changes do not appear in iOS 26.4.

When Will iOS 26.4 Launch Publicly?

Apple has not shared an exact release date. However, based on past timelines, the public release of iOS 26.4 is expected in March or April.

The update shows Apple’s steady approach to AI. Instead of a single assistant overhaul, the company is embedding intelligence across music, media, messaging, and daily system features.

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