iOS 26.4 beta arrives: Here are 3 of its biggest new features

Source: Mashable Tech

Apple’s iOS 26.4 beta is now available, just one week after the tech giant launched iOS 26.3. Released on Monday, the iOS 26.4 beta doesn’t include the long‑awaited Gemini-powered Siri, which was rumoured to arrive in this update up until last week. Instead, the latest iOS version focuses on changes to Apple Music and Podcasts, as well as testing end‑to‑end RCS encryption for text messages.

The iOS 26.4 beta is currently only available to developers, but a wider public release is expected in the coming weeks. Below are a few of the most significant new features you can look forward to.

Apple Music adds AI‑generated playlists

Apple Music received a redesign in iOS 26.4 beta, adding full‑page artwork and a new feature showing concerts and tour dates in your local area. The arguably bigger update is the new ability to create AI‑generated playlists based on text prompts.

Called Playlist Playground, users can type a description of the type of tunes they want—e.g., “evening wind‑down songs” or “90s grunge hits.” Apple Music then uses AI to generate a 25‑song playlist, which can be refined with additional prompts or manual curation. Once satisfied, users can add cover art and a description before saving the playlist.

Apple Podcasts improves video capabilities

Apple Podcasts already supports video, but the iOS 26.4 beta has given this feature an update. Switching between audio and video is now smoother, as Apple’s communications protocol automatically adjusts playback quality based on network conditions. Users can also toggle between horizontal and vertical displays and download video podcasts for offline viewing.

Podcast creators can now dynamically insert video ads into their episodes, allowing them to “unlock access to the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control.” Video podcast episodes will also appear in personalized recommendations and editorially curated lists within Apple Podcasts.

RCS end‑to‑end encryption tests in Messages

The new iOS update tests Rich Communication Services (RCS) end‑to‑end encryption in Messages, a security measure that could eventually make texting Android‑using friends more secure. During this testing stage, the feature is only available for messages sent between Apple devices.

iOS 26.4 beta’s release notes state that RCS end‑to‑end encryption isn’t currently available on all devices and carriers, and it won’t be included when iOS 26.4 leaves beta. Apple has indicated it will be added in a future update.