Apple has released the fourth developer beta of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, continuing testing for the next update coming to the iPhone and iPad.
The new beta arrives one week after beta 3, suggesting Apple is moving steadily toward the public release.
Developers registered with Apple can download the update by heading to: Settings > General > Software Update
Once installed, the latest beta introduces several new features across Apple Music, Podcasts, messaging, and system apps.
Here are some of the most interesting additions.
Apple Music gets AI playlist creation
One of the biggest additions in iOS 26.4 is a new Playlist Playground feature inside Apple Music.
It lets users generate playlists using simple text prompts. For example, you could ask for music for:
- a late-night drive
- a workout session
- relaxing background music
- a specific mood or emotion
Apple Music will then automatically build a playlist based on that idea.
Apple is also adding a Concerts Near You discovery feature, making it easier to find local shows from artists you follow.
Albums and playlists are also getting a visual refresh with full-page artwork, giving Apple Music a more immersive design.
Apple Podcasts adds native video podcasts
Apple Podcasts is also gaining native video podcast support.
Creators will now be able to upload and distribute video versions of their podcasts directly through the platform.
Apple says these videos will integrate with existing features like:
- personalized podcast recommendations
- editorial picks
- discovery tools inside the app
The change could make Apple Podcasts more competitive with video-heavy podcast platforms.
Apple testing end-to-end encryption for RCS
Another major change being tested in the beta is end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging.
RCS is the modern messaging standard designed to replace traditional SMS.
Apple is currently testing encryption for:
- iPhone to iPhone RCS chats
- iPhone to Android conversations
If fully implemented, this would bring stronger security to cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users.
Other iOS 26.4 features
The latest beta also includes several smaller improvements across the system.
Notable additions include:
- Stolen Device Protection enabled by default for better security
- a new Ambient Music widget
- new average bedtime metrics in the Sleep app
- additional performance improvements and bug fixes
For a complete list of new features in iOS 26.4 so far, check out our post here.
As with most beta updates, Apple may still tweak or remove some of these features before the final public release.
When will iOS 26.4 launch?
Apple typically runs several developer betas before releasing an update to the public.
While the company hasn’t confirmed an official release date yet, iOS 26.4 could arrive later this spring once testing is complete.
Until then, developers will continue exploring the new features in the latest beta builds.
