Apple has released the first iOS 26.4 public beta and iPadOS 26.4 public beta, giving testers early access to a wide range of new features. The update also includes public betas for tvOS 26.4 and watchOS 26.4.
The public release arrives one day after the developer beta rollout.
If you’re enrolled in Apple’s beta program, you can download the update now through Settings > General > Software Update after signing up on Apple’s beta website.
Here’s what’s new so far.
Apple Music adds AI playlist creation and concert discovery
One of the standout additions in iOS 26.4 is Playlist Playground in Apple Music.
This feature lets you generate playlists using a simple text prompt. You can create mixes based on:
- A mood
- A time period
- An activity
- A general idea
Apple Music also introduces a Concerts Near You section and refreshed album and playlist pages with full-screen artwork.
Apple podcasts now supports native video episodes
The update brings native video playback to Apple Podcasts.
Instead of relying on traditional RSS video feeds, podcasts can now stream video using HTTP Live Streaming for smoother playback. Video episodes integrate directly with recommendations and category browsing, making them easier to discover.
RCS messaging gets end-to-end encryption testing
Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging in iOS 26.4.
Currently, encrypted RCS works between iPhones when iMessage is turned off. Cross-platform encryption between iPhone and Android is expected later.
When encryption is active, you’ll see a lock icon in both RCS and iMessage conversations. This update moves RCS messaging closer to the security level users expect from modern messaging platforms.
Siri updates not included yet
Although iOS 26.4 includes many changes, the anticipated Apple Intelligence upgrade for Siri is not present in the first public beta.
Reports suggest Apple may have delayed those enhancements, so updated Siri features could arrive in a later beta or future iOS 26 release.
Additional iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 features
Other updates include:
- A redesigned Apple Account hub inside the App Store and Apple Music
- A new ambient music widget
- A compact tab bar option in Safari on iPad
More features may appear as testing continues. For a complete list of changes and additions in iOS 26.4 public beta 1, head here: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Features: Playlist AI, Video Podcasts, RCS Encryption, and Security Updates.
How to install the iOS 26.4 public beta
To download the beta:
- Sign up through Apple’s beta testing website
- Open Settings on your device
- Go to General > Software Update
- Select the iOS 26 Public Beta option
As always, installing beta software on a secondary device is recommended.
