Apple on Monday seeded the first betas of its upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates to developers for testing. The new betas come just a few days after Apple released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to the public.
Registered developers can download the new iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 beta software using the Software Update section of the Settings app.
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, which was also released to developers today.
- 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.
It should be noted that while the above features are available in the first iOS 26.4 beta, there is no guarantee all of the features will make it into the public release, or even survive beta testing.
While the iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 betas are currently limited to developers, Apple will likely release a public beta in the coming days.
As usual, MacTrast and Apple both warn users to not install any betas on their daily driver iPhone or iPad. Instead, only install betas on a device set aside for testing purposes.
