Abstract created by Good Solutions AI
In abstract:
- Macworld reviews that iOS 26.4 beta 4 is now out there for builders, that includes new emojis like Trombone and Treasure Chest alongside numerous app enhancements.
- Whereas rumors initially urged a revamped Siri would debut on this replace, expectations have been lowered with main AI options probably delayed to future releases.
- The replace consists of enhanced Apple Music interface with AI playlists, improved Apple Podcasts video expertise, and default activation of Stolen Machine Safety.
After Apple launched iOS 26.3 final week, we had been anticipating the primary beta launch of iOS 26.4 with bated breath. That’s as a result of rumors for the higher a part of a 12 months have pointed to this replace because the one to carry the revamped Siri that has been anticipated since 2024. Nonetheless, a rumor final week dampened these expectations significantly. Now it’s unclear if the 26.4 updates could have any of the “new Siri” in any respect, whereas a few of its main options get pushed again.
Nonetheless, 26.4 looks as if it ought to be a larger-than-usual replace with a number of new options that aren’t Siri associated.
Replace March 9: The fourth beta of iOS 26.4 is out now for builders.
iOS 26.4 beta: New options
We received’t know all the new options and adjustments to anticipate in iOS 26.4 till the ultimate model is launched to customers, probably in March. We’ll replace this part with new options as we uncover them.
New emojis: There are new emojis on this launch, together with Trombone, Treasure Chest, Distorted Face, Bigfoot/Sasquatch, Battle Cloud, Orca, Landslide. Different emojis have new pores and skin tone choices.
New video podcast expertise: Apple has introduced that iOS 26.4 will allow HTTP Reside Streaming (HLS) know-how within the Podcast app to “swap seamlessly between watching and listening to exhibits.”
Apple Music: iOS 26.4 introduces a brand new interface for albums and playlists, and new methods to seek out live shows close to you and tour dates on your favorites artists. There’s a new AI playlist function that generates playlists primarily based on brief textual content prompts. There’s a brand new residence display widget for accessing ambient music playlists, too.
RCS end-to-end encryption: It’s taken a couple of 12 months, however Apple has an choice to check end-to-end encryption in RCS messages. Apple particularly states this function is not coming in 26.4 and will likely be out there in a future launch.
Stolen Machine Safety: The function launched in iOS 17.3 will now be enabled by default beginning with iOS 26.4.
Freeform: Apple’s whiteboarding app has gotten its Creator Studio replace with new options and a brand new icon.
Reminders: There’s a brand new “Pressing” sensible for any reminders you might have marked as Pressing utilizing the brand new function launched in iOS 26.2
Well being: Bloody Oxygen has been added again to the “Vitals” overview, and the Sleep graph now has a line displaying your common bedtime.
iOS 26.4 beta: set up the general public beta
If you wish to check the iOS 26 beta releases however are usually not a registered developer, comply with these steps:
- Click on Signal Up on the Apple Beta web page and register along with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software program Program.
- Click on Enroll your iOS system.
- Open the Settings app, faucet Common, then Software program Replace.
- Within the Beta Updates part, choose the iOS Public Beta.
It might take a couple of moments after registering for the beta choice to look in Software program Replace.
iOS 26.4 beta: set up the developer beta
You’ll must be registered as an Apple developer, however a free developer account will do. You will get one through Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Right here’s tips on how to do it through the Apple Developer app:
- Obtain the Apple Developer App from the App Retailer.
- Open the app.
- Faucet on Account.
- Register utilizing your regular Apple ID.
Discover out every part you want to learn about iOS 26 in our iOS 26 superguide.
