Apple on Tuesday seeded the first public beta of its upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates for testing purposes. The new betas are equal to the first developer betas, which were released on Monday.
Public beta testers can download the iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates by going to the Settings app, then tapping on “General” -> “Software Update” and choosing the iOS 26 or iPadOS 26 Public Beta options on their iPhone and iPad devices after opting into the beta through Apple’s public beta testing website.
What’s New So Far
The following new or updated features have been discovered so far in the initial iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 beta:
- Apple is adding advanced video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. Apple says the feature uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to provide podcast creators with “unprecedented control and monetization opportunities” while also providing a high-quality viewing experience.
- Apple begins testing secure messaging between Android and iOS devices with the betas of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, alongside the macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta.
- The iPadOS 26.4 beta (as well as the macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta) reintroduces a compact Safari Tab Bar option for those who prefer that view option.
- Starting with iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default and turned on for all iPhone users. Stolen Device Protection adds extra security in case of physical iPhone theft.
- A new “Playlist Playground” feature in the Apple Music app allows users to create a playlist with a text-based prompt.
- Also in the Apple Music app, a new “Concerts Near You” feature helps users find shows in their area, as well as tour dates for artists that users are a fan of.
- There are new animations in the Messages app for certain actions, like launching a new conversation.
- A new unified Apple Account hub replaces the existing profile feature.
- A new Ambient Music widget is available for the Home and Lock Screen that supports playing different built-in ambient music options for sleep, productivity, wellbeing, and more.
- The Wallpaper Gallery now features an updated design allowing Wallpapers from each category like Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, and More to be downloaded to the iPhone. The Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app has received the same design change.
- The Reminders app has a new “Urgent” section.
- Freeform Creator Studio allows Creator Studio subscribers to access new Freeform features.
As usual, MacTrast and Apple both warn users to not install any betas on their daily driver iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or Mac. Instead, only install betas on a device set aside for testing purposes.
