Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 2

Source: MacRumors

End-to-End Encryption RCS Testing

With the second beta of iOS 26.4, Apple is testing end‑to‑end encryption for text messages sent between iPhones and Android devices.

• End‑to‑end encrypted messages can now be sent to an Android user. When encryption is enabled, a lock icon appears on the message.
• Encrypted conversations are not available for all devices or carriers during the testing period.
• iOS users must be on iOS 26.4; Android users need the latest version of Google Messages.

Apple does not plan to ship end‑to‑end RCS encryption in iOS 26.4, but it is expected later this year.

Home Screen

The Edit menu on the Home Screen now uses a more transparent “Liquid Glass” appearance.

Games App

In the Games app, the search bar has been moved from the bottom of the display to the top.

App Store and Apple Music

For the account hub options in the App Store and Apple Music, the “Apple Account” wording is now left‑aligned and displays the same rainbow logo used for the Apple Account in the Settings app.

Accessibility

Under Display & Text Size in Accessibility, a new Reduce Highlighting Effects option has been added.

Beta Updates

Apple changed how betas work in iOS 26.4: if you have betas toggled on but do not install any beta builds for a four‑month period, you will automatically be switched to the public‑release audience.

No Emoji

There are still no new emoji characters, despite code hints of them appearing in the first beta of iOS 26.4.

Playlist Playground

Playlist Playground remains limited to the United States and is not available in Europe or other countries.

More New Features

A comprehensive list of all the new features discovered in the first beta can be found in the iOS 26.4 feature guide.