One week after the first beta, iOS 26.4 beta 2 is now available for developers. The update continues refining features introduced in the initial release, with notable changes to RCS encryption, the Games app UI, Accessibility settings, and system-wide interface tweaks.
iOS 26.4 beta 2 details
iOS 26.4 beta 2 is currently available via the developer beta channel, with a public beta expected soon.
- Build number: 23E5218e
- Developer beta only (for now)
As previously reported, iOS 26.4 includes more than 40 changes across the system, including updates to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and other core apps.
What’s new in iOS 26.4 beta 2
RCS end-to-end encryption testing expands
In beta 1, Apple introduced testing support for encrypted RCS messaging, but it was limited to iPhone-to-iPhone conversations with iMessage disabled.
With beta 2, Apple has expanded RCS end-to-end encryption testing to include iPhone-to-Android conversations.
Apple notes:
RCS end-to-end encryption is available for testing between Apple and Android devices in this beta. The feature will not ship in iOS 26.4 and will instead arrive in a future update across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 releases. Availability varies by device and carrier.
Conversations labeled as encrypted are protected end-to-end, meaning messages cannot be read while in transit.
RELATED: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Features: Playlist AI, Video Podcasts, RCS Encryption, and Security Updates
New “Reduce Highlighting Effects” toggle
Under Settings > Accessibility > Display & Text Size, Apple has added a new toggle called “Reduce Highlighting Effects.”
This setting appears to minimize visual emphasis effects around buttons and sliders, likely reducing glow or edge contrast for users sensitive to visual intensity.
Games app search UI updated
In iOS 26.4 beta 1, Apple updated the search interface in the App Store:
- The Search tab was reintegrated into the bottom tab bar
- The search bar was moved back to the top of the screen
This reversed the design introduced in iOS 26 and aligned it more closely with iOS 18.
In beta 2, Apple has applied the exact same design changes to the Apple Games app.
This confirms the change was intentional rather than a bug and suggests Apple may expand the revised layout to additional apps before public release.
App Store and Apple Music Account Hub updates
Apple has refined the Account Hub design in both the App Store and Apple Music. The “Apple Account” label is now left-aligned and uses the same rainbow-colored Apple logo as seen in the Settings app, providing a consistent visual identity across system apps.
Beta updates behavior
iOS 26.4 introduces a subtle change to beta participation. If you have beta updates enabled but do not install any betas for four months, Apple will automatically move your device back to the public release track.
No new Emoji yet
Despite code hints spotted in iOS 26.4 beta 1, there are still no new emoji characters in beta 2. Apple appears to be holding off on emoji updates for now.
Playlist Playground availability
The Playlist Playground feature in Apple Music remains limited to the U.S., and is not yet available in Europe or other regions. This AI-driven playlist tool continues to be region-restricted in this beta.
More small UI tweaks
- The Home Screen Edit menu now uses a more transparent Liquid Glass effect.
- In Dark Mode, Control Center pop-up menus now appear with a darker background for improved visual consistency.
Wrap-up
iOS 26.4 beta 2 focuses on refinement rather than major feature additions. The expansion of RCS encryption testing, continued UI reversals in select apps, and incremental Accessibility improvements suggest Apple is stabilizing design decisions ahead of a broader release.
More changes could surface as developer testing continues.
