Apple has released the first developer beta of iOS 26.4, offering an early look at a wide range of new features and system changes coming to the iPhone later this spring.
The update is currently limited to developers, but Apple is expected to make a public beta available within the next couple of weeks. The final release of iOS 26.4 is anticipated in the coming months.
One of the biggest additions in iOS 26.4 is a new Apple Music feature called Playlist Playground. The tool allows users to generate playlists using text-based prompts. Users can describe a mood, theme or idea, and Apple Music will automatically create a 25-song playlist with a suggested title. These playlists can then be refined with additional prompts, custom artwork and descriptions.
Apple Music is also gaining a new “Concerts Near You” section, designed to surface upcoming shows and tour dates based on a user’s listening habits. Albums and playlists have also been visually refreshed, with full-page artwork now taking centre stage.
The Podcasts app receives a significant upgrade with support for video podcasts. Apple says the new system gives creators greater control while delivering a smooth viewing experience for listeners. Users can switch seamlessly between video and audio playback, download episodes for offline viewing, and watch content over Wi-Fi or cellular connections. Video podcasts will continue to integrate with existing discovery features such as recommendations and curated categories.
Apple has also expanded Stolen Device Protection, which is now enabled by default for all iPhone users. The feature was originally introduced to combat targeted iPhone theft, where attackers used stolen passcodes to access sensitive data. With Stolen Device Protection active, certain actions now require Face ID or Touch ID authentication, while others are delayed by a one-hour security window.
Messaging sees multiple changes in iOS 26.4. Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages across iPhone, iPad and Mac. While iMessage has long supported full encryption, RCS messages previously did not offer the same protection across platforms. In the current beta, encrypted RCS is limited to iPhone-to-iPhone conversations when iMessage is disabled. Apple says broader cross-platform support, including Android, will come later. Encrypted conversations are marked with a lock icon in the Messages app.
The Messages app also includes smaller interface tweaks, such as new animations when starting conversations.
Apple is introducing a redesigned Apple Account hub across apps like the App Store and Apple Music. The new layout brings a unified look to account settings and reorganises navigation. In the App Store, purchases and apps are now combined, updates have their own section, and search has been moved into the top interface rather than the tab bar.
A new Ambient Music widget is available for the Home Screen and Lock Screen. It allows users to quickly play built-in soundscapes designed for sleep, focus, wellbeing and relaxation.
The Wallpaper Gallery has also been refreshed, making it easier to browse and download wallpapers by category, including Weather, Astronomy, Emoji and Colours. The Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app adopts the same updated design.
For Apple Creator Studio subscribers, iOS 26.4 activates new features in Freeform. These include a dedicated Content Hub with access to high-quality graphics, photos and illustrations, as well as AI-powered tools for creating and editing images. Freeform also receives a new app icon.
The Reminders app now includes an “Urgent” section. Reminders marked as urgent automatically include an alarm and appear in this dedicated view to ensure they are not missed.
In iCloud settings, Apple has added a new iCloud.com section, replacing the older web access toggle. The new menu includes an option that allows trusted Apple devices to assist with search results on iCloud.com.
While no new emoji are enabled in this beta, code references suggest additional characters are coming in a future update. Expected emoji include a trombone, treasure chest, orca, landslide, apple core, Bigfoot and ballet dancers.
For users in the European Union, Apple has reintroduced Notification Forwarding for third-party wearable devices. The feature allows iPhone notifications to be forwarded to a non-Apple smartwatch, though only one device can receive notifications at a time. If enabled, Apple Watch notifications are disabled. Apple is adding the feature in response to regulatory pressure around platform access.
Apple is also continuing work on Proximity Pairing in the EU, which would allow third-party accessories to pair with iPhone and iPad using an AirPods-style one-tap setup. The feature was previously tested but not activated, and may be enabled later in the iOS 26.4 beta cycle.