Get ready for an exciting iOS update! iOS 26.4 beta 1 is here, bringing a whole new world of features and enhancements to your Apple devices. From video podcasts to encrypted messaging, this update has something for everyone. But here's where it gets controversial... some of these features are not as widely available as we'd like. Let's dive in and explore the good, the bad, and the potentially game-changing additions to iOS 26.4.
The Video Revolution: Apple Podcasts Gets a Visual Makeover
One of the most notable changes in iOS 26.4 is the addition of video playback capabilities to Apple Podcasts. Yes, you read that right! You can now select and watch video episodes within the app, making your podcast experience even more engaging. And the best part? It's incredibly easy to switch between listening and viewing, and you can even download episodes for offline enjoyment.
But here's the catch: this feature is currently limited to iPhone users only. Android users, unfortunately, are left out in the cold for now. However, this move opens up new opportunities for podcast creators and advertisers, as it facilitates adaptive streaming and dynamic video ad insertion directly into the Apple Music app. So, while it may be exclusive for now, the potential revenue boost for podcasters is an exciting prospect.
Apple Music: Concerts Near You & Playlist Playground
Apple Music also receives some love in iOS 26.4. The app now boasts a new splash screen, detailing the major changes Apple has implemented. One of the standout features is the Concerts Near You capability, which allows users to find shows in their area and view tour dates right within the app. It's a great way to stay updated on your favorite artists' performances.
Another impressive addition is the Playlist Playground feature, currently in beta. Accessible from the Library page, this tool lets you create personalized playlists by inputting text-based prompts. Apple Music will generate a playlist of 25 songs based on your prompt, or you can use the provided New Playlist Ideas prompts for inspiration. And if you're not satisfied with the generated playlist, you can always edit it later.
Additionally, Apple has modified the Apple Account view in Apple Music and the App Store, giving users quick access to settings and subscriptions. A new Music Profile option also allows users to select a name and photo that appears when listening to music with others. It's a small change, but it adds a personal touch to your music-sharing experience.
Encrypted Messaging: Testing End-to-End RCS, but with a Twist
iOS 26.4 also introduces the ability to send and receive end-to-end encrypted RCS messages. This is a significant step towards secure communication, but there's a major caveat: at the time of writing, this feature only works between iPhones. So, Android users will have to wait a little longer for compatibility.
Apple first announced plans for encrypted RCS messages back in March 2025, and code related to this feature was spotted in the second iOS 26.3 beta in January 2026. However, despite the initial excitement, Apple has confirmed that end-to-end encryption for RCS will not be part of the iOS 26.4 update. Instead, it will be rolled out in a future iOS 26 software update, leaving us wondering which version will finally bring this much-anticipated feature.
For beta testers, end-to-end RCS encryption is enabled by default in iOS 26.4. Users can opt out of this feature by heading to the Settings app, giving them control over their messaging security.
Other Notable Changes: Stolen Device Protection & Visual Updates
iOS 26.4 also changes the way the Stolen Device Protection feature functions. Introduced in 2023, this capability is now automatically enabled whenever a device is updated to iOS 26.4. It's an additional layer of protection, designed to kick in if an iPhone is stolen and the thief knows the owner's password. Apple aims to prevent the total loss of an Apple Account in such scenarios, ensuring your data remains secure.
In terms of visual changes, Apple has updated the wallpaper settings in iOS 26.4. When selecting a new wallpaper, users are greeted with a fresh wallpaper gallery, and it appears that select wallpapers are now downloaded from a server rather than being pre-installed on the device.
The Reminders application has also received an update, with a new Smart List view for urgent tasks. This serves as an enhancement to the "Urgent Reminders" feature introduced in iOS 26.2, making it easier to stay on top of your important tasks.
iPadOS & macOS Updates: Minor Changes with a Big Impact
The first iPadOS 26.4 developer beta includes a minor change to Safari, allowing iPad users to use the compact tab bar option once again. This feature was not available in prior releases of iPadOS 26, so it's a welcome return for those who prefer a more streamlined browsing experience.
For Mac users, macOS Tahoe 26.4 includes a warning related to Rosetta 2 deprecation. Given that macOS Tahoe is the last version of macOS to support Intel-based Macs, Apple has decided to fully discontinue Rosetta 2 support after the macOS 27 update. This means some applications will stop functioning once Rosetta 2 support ends, and users are being warned about this impending change.
The Missing Upgrade: Revamped Siri Still MIA
One notable absence in iOS 26.4 is the upgraded, contextually-aware version of Siri. Originally previewed at WWDC 2024 with iOS 18, this revamped virtual assistant was rumored to be released as part of the iOS 26.4 update. However, a February 2026 report suggested that internal testing was not going as planned, and the new Siri would debut with iOS 26.5 instead.
Apple issued a statement confirming that the promised features were still "on track to launch in 2026," but it remains unclear if the feature set was initially planned for iOS 26.4 and then delayed again. Either way, the iOS 26.4 update seems to deliver a solid set of enhancements on its own, with the new video playback option in Apple Podcasts and updates to Apple Music taking center stage.
So, there you have it! iOS 26.4 beta 1 is packed with exciting changes, but it also leaves us with some unanswered questions and limitations. What do you think about these updates? Are you excited about the new video podcasts and encrypted messaging, or are you disappointed by the limited availability of certain features? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts and spark a discussion on the future of iOS updates.
