Apple will soon roll out iOS 26.4, the fourth major point update for iPhones since iOS 26 was released in September, and there are at least 12 notable changes and improvements to look forward to. We've rounded them up below.
Apple has provided developers with the first beta of its upcoming iOS 26.4 update, which is why we have a good picture of what's coming. The beta is limited to developers right now, but Apple should release a public beta in the next couple of weeks. iOS 26.4 is expected to launch this spring.
Generate Playlists With Text Prompts
Apple Music has a new Playlist Playground feature that creates playlists based on whatever you type in natural language. You can describe a mood, a scenario, or a vibe, like "morning coffee music" or "disco songs that defined the 1970s," for example, and the app will generate a 25-song playlist with a custom title. You can refine the results with follow-up prompts, and even pick your own cover art and description.
Watch Video Podcasts
Apple is bringing video podcast support to the Podcasts app for the first time. The feature uses HTTP Live Streaming to deliver video episodes, and you can switch between watching and listening on the fly. Videos can also be downloaded for offline viewing, and they'll integrate with the app's existing recommendation features.
Send Encrypted RCS Messages
It looks like iOS 26.4 will introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. Apple has been working with the GSM Association on the implementation for a while, and all the signs indicate that this update will bring encrypted cross-platform messaging a step closer to reality. For now, Apple is testing iPhone-to-iPhone RCS encryption, with Android-to-iPhone encryption coming in a future update. Encrypted messages will show a lock icon in the conversation.
Stolen Device Protection Is Now On by Default
Stolen Device Protection, which Apple introduced back in 2023 to combat a wave of passcode-based iPhone thefts, is now enabled by default for all users in iOS 26.4. Previously, it was an opt-in feature. The setting requires Face ID or Touch ID authentication to access things like the Passwords app, Lost mode, and Safari purchases, and it imposes a one-hour security delay on certain changes.
Play Ambient Music From Your Home or Lock Screen
There's a new Ambient Music widget that can be added to both the Home Screen and Lock Screen. It lets you play built-in ambient soundscapes for sleep, focus, relaxation, and more, so you don't need a third-party app to achieve the same thing.
Find Concerts Near You in Apple Music
Apple Music now has a "Concerts Near You" feature that surfaces local shows and tour dates for artists you listen to. The Music app is also getting redesigned album and playlist pages with full-page artwork.
Access Freeform Creator Studio Features
Freeform Creator Studio is coming in iOS 26.4, giving subscribers access to a dedicated Content Hub with shapes, graphics, photos, illustrations, and AI-based image creation and editing tools. The Freeform app also has a new icon.
View Urgent Reminders in a Dedicated Section
The Reminders app now has an "Urgent" section that collects all reminders with the Urgent toggle enabled. These reminders come with an alarm that sounds when they're due, so you won't accidentally blow past them.
Manage iCloud Web Settings
There's a new "iCloud.com" option at the bottom of the iCloud settings page, which replaced the old "Access iCloud Data on the Web" toggle. It includes a new "Allow Search" setting that lets trusted Apple devices provide search results to iCloud.com.
Use a Unified Apple Account Hub
The App Store, Apple Music, and other Apple apps now feature a unified Apple Account hub in place of individual profile screens. The App Store specifically merges your apps and purchase history into one view and adds a dedicated section for app updates, although it now takes an extra tap to reach them. The search bar has also moved to the top of the screen.
Browse an Updated Wallpaper Gallery
The Wallpaper Gallery has been redesigned, letting you browse and download wallpapers by category — Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, Colors, and more. The same design update applies to the Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app.
Forward Notifications to Third-Party Wearables (EU)
Notification Forwarding was tested in the iOS 26.3 beta but didn't ship in the final release, but now it's back in iOS 26.4. The feature lets iPhone users in the European Union forward notifications to a third-party wearable like an Android smartwatch. Bear in mind it's limited to one device at a time, so enabling it will disable notifications on your Apple Watch.
