Apple has released the first public beta of iOS 26.4, a major update to its mobile operating system featuring new AI-powered tools, enhanced security, and expanded entertainment options. The update is expected to be rolled out to all users in a stable release in March or April.
The release marks a significant step in integrating Apple Intelligence across its services and follows a growing industry trend of incorporating video and advanced AI features into media apps.
AI and Media Take Centre Stage
One of the headline additions is "Playlist Playground" in Apple Music, a feature that uses Apple Intelligence to generate a custom 25-song playlist from a text prompt. Users can refine the results and select matching cover art. The Music app also receives a refreshed interface with full-screen artwork and a new "Concerts Near You" section for discovering live shows.
In a move following Spotify, the Podcasts app now supports video content via HTTP Live Streaming (HLS). Listeners can seamlessly switch between audio and video playback within the same episode. Major podcast platforms like Acast, Amazon's ART19, and SiriusXM support the feature at launch.
Creators will be able to insert dynamic video ads, though participating ad networks will pay an impression-based fee for their delivery starting later this year, according to Apple.
Enhanced Security and Messaging
A critical security upgrade begins testing with end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messages between iPhones in the beta. This future public release aims to make cross-platform messaging with Android devices as secure as iMessage. Currently, these encrypted conversations are labelled and cannot be read in transit.
Furthermore, Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default, adding an extra layer of biometric authentication for sensitive actions like accessing saved passwords if a device is stolen.
CarPlay and Camera Upgrades
Apple CarPlay receives substantial updates, including support for in-car video playback from apps like Apple TV—but only when the vehicle is parked. For the first time, CarPlay will also offer access to third-party AI services including OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude.
The Camera app gains an "Audio Zoom" feature for video recording, where the microphone focuses on the subject as the user zooms in, reducing background noise. A new "Urgent" section in the Reminders app groups high-priority tasks and can trigger prominent alerts.
Notable Absences and Smaller Features
Conspicuously missing from iOS 26.4 is a widely anticipated next-generation Siri experience, which reports indicate has been delayed again. Other smaller additions include making the "Ambient Music" soundscapes feature accessible via a Home Screen widget, not just the Control Center.
The update underscores Apple's continued focus on deepening ecosystem integration, enhancing user privacy, and competing with rival platforms on AI and media features, while some of its most ambitious AI projects remain in development.