Apple released the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 26.4, this week. This update brings a host of new features, including AI-powered playlist creation in Apple Music, video content support in the Podcasts app, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, and more. The update is currently available in public beta, with a public release expected in March or April.
Redaksiya reports that one of the most notable innovations in iOS 26.4 is within Apple Music. The new AI-powered "Playlist Playground" feature utilizes Apple Intelligence. This feature allows users to create custom 25-song playlists from text prompts like "energetic workout mix" or "chill evening." Users can then refine the results and even select a fitting cover art. Additionally, Apple Music's user interface has been updated to display full-screen artwork for albums and playlists.
Apple Music also gets a new "Upcoming Concerts" section, which helps users discover live shows from their favorite artists. This section can be filtered by Date and Genre, or you can change locations if you're traveling. Following Spotify's move into video, Apple's Podcasts app makes it easier to switch between audio and video episodes with this release. Creators can broadcast video podcasts using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), and listeners will be able to seamlessly switch between audio and video playback within the same episode, transitioning to full horizontal screen if they wish. HLS also brings an automatic quality adjustment feature that helps videos play better, regardless of whether listeners are on Wi-Fi or cellular. Furthermore, users will be able to download video episodes for offline viewing.
At launch, video episodes will be integrated with other Apple Podcasts features, such as individual recommendations and editorial curation on the New and Category pages, just like audio podcasts. Creators will also be able to dynamically insert video ads into their podcasts, including host-read ads. Apple does not charge creators for podcast distribution, but notes that starting later this year, participating ad networks will have to pay an impression-based fee for dynamic ad delivery in HLS videos. Messaging also receives a significant update with encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) beginning to be tested in iOS 26.4. End-to-end encryption for RCS chats will one day help ensure messages between iPhone users and Android users are as secure as iMessage. Currently, Apple is only testing this between iPhones. These chats will be marked as encrypted and will not be readable when sent between devices. The company notes that this feature will later be publicly rolled out in a software update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, and the beta version is not accessible for all devices and carriers.
Security enhancements are another key feature of iOS 26.4. Stolen Device Protection is now active by default, adding an extra layer of biometric authentication for sensitive operations like accessing saved passwords or making certain account changes. By requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication in more scenarios, Apple reduces the risk of unauthorized access if a device is stolen and the passcode is compromised. Drivers using Apple CarPlay will also see changes. CarPlay now supports video playback in the car for select apps, including the Apple TV app, only when the vehicle is parked to ensure safety. This enhancement offers new entertainment options for passengers when they are stopped or waiting in the car for a period. CarPlay will also offer access to third-party AI services like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, and Anthropic's Claude for the first time. Meanwhile, the Camera app introduces Audio Zoom. When recording video, the microphone focuses on the subject as you zoom in, reducing background noise and increasing clarity. This feature makes it easier to capture speeches, performances, or interviews without external audio equipment.
Additionally, the Ambient Music feature is now accessible via a widget, allowing users to instantly play soundscapes designed for focus, sleep, or relaxation directly from their Home Screen, rather than solely through the Control Center as before. Introduced first in iOS 18.4, this feature added a range of ambient sounds across categories like Sleep, Focus, Productivity, and Wellness. The Reminders app also has a new "Urgent" section that groups high-priority tasks and can trigger more prominent alerts as deadlines approach. Marking a reminder as Urgent will add an alarm to ensure you don't miss the event. Other minor features include:
A new unified Apple Account Center, replacing the previously used "profile" feature in the App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple apps.
A new animation when typing a message in the Messages app.
An updated Wallpaper Gallery that separates various categories in a new way; a similar design has also come to the Apple Watch Face Gallery. The new version includes sections for Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, and more, among other changes.
Apple Music allows adding songs to multiple playlists simultaneously.
The Health app adds a new metric: Average Sleep Time, which shows your average time asleep over the last 2 weeks. Also, the Vitals section has been updated to include Blood Oxygen level in a daily graph.
Freeform adds a Content Hub that provides access to new AI features and high-quality art for Creator Studio subscribers. Its icon has also been updated.
The Personal Hotspot feature now includes a Data Usage section showing how much data has been sent to your device and which Apple and non-Apple devices are using your data.
Live Captions adds support under the Chinese (Taiwan) language options.
The Shortcuts app has a new "Set Battery Charge Limit" action.
The App Store's Search bar has returned to the top of the screen.
A link to iCloud.com receives a larger, dedicated section in the iCloud section of the Settings app. Previously, there was only a link for "Access iCloud Data on the Web." Now, it's like a large advertisement for iCloud.
Notably absent from this release is the next-generation Siri experience. While Apple has signaled deeper AI ambitions for its voice assistant, these more significant changes are not present in iOS 26.4, reportedly having been delayed once again.