Around a week after the release of iOS 26.3, the next update is due. With the release of iOS 26.4 Public Beta 1, Apple is starting the next test phase for its entire operating system portfolio. In addition to iOS, new public betas are also being released for iPadOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, HomePod software and macOS. The update brings visible design changes, new AI approaches in Apple Music, improvements to RCS messages and security-related adjustments. iOS 26.4 in particular shows where Apple’s platform is heading strategically.
- Video podcasts with HLS streaming in Apple Podcasts
- RCS messages with optional end-to-end encryption
- New full-screen design and AI playlists in Apple Music
- “Stolen Device Protection” now enabled by default
iOS 26.4 Public Beta 1: More multimedia, more security, more AI
With iOS 26.4 Public Beta 1, Apple is primarily expanding the range of functions relating to media and communication. The video experience in the Podcasts app has been significantly expanded. Thanks to HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), video podcasts can be dynamically adapted to the available bandwidth without compromising audio quality. Users can switch seamlessly between video and audio playback, and offline downloading is also possible. Apple is also introducing dynamic video ads – a step that should further professionalize the monetization of podcasts.
iOS 26.4 also focuses on communication. The beta contains a first test run for end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. RCS already enables the exchange of high-resolution media, read receipts and extended group functions between iPhone and Android devices. A new feature is a switch in the settings that is activated by default and enables encryption for compatible chats. This is made visible by a lock symbol in the chat history. The function is currently limited to iPhone-to-iPhone communication and acts as an alternative for users who have deactivated iMessage.
In the Security section, “Stolen Device Protection” is now automatically activated. Sensitive functions such as access to the password app, changes to “Where is?” mode or Safari purchases require additional authentication via Face ID or Touch ID. This step seems plausible, as Apple has increasingly relied on device-based security mechanisms in recent years.
Apple Music, Health and system-wide improvements
The most visible design changes concern Apple Music. Albums and playlists have been given a new full-screen display, while the track list has been color-coded to match the respective artwork. Apple is also integrating text-based playlist creation: a short description text is enough to automatically generate a suitable song selection. This AI-supported approach underlines Apple’s efforts to support creative processes through intelligent automation.
There are also innovations in the health sector. In the Health app, blood oxygen levels have returned to the central “Vitals” overview. This means that heart rate, breathing rate, wrist temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration can now be evaluated together. This is supplemented by a new “Sleep Highlight” section with two-week average values. References to “Health Coaching” and “Health Plans” in the code also indicate that Apple is planning an expanded, AI-supported health service in the long term.
Public betas for iPadOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, HomePod Software 26.4 and macOS Tahoe 26.4 are being released in parallel. Among other things, the latter brings a charging limit between 80 and 100 percent for batteries. visionOS 26.4 supports NVIDIA CloudXR with foveated streaming for immersive content on the Apple Vision Pro, while Safari on iPadOS and macOS gets compact tabs back.
Conclusion
iOS 26.4 Public Beta 1 clearly shows that Apple is integrating multimedia, security and AI more closely. From video podcasts and encrypted RCS messages to AI-generated playlists, the update offers numerous practical innovations. The public beta is available now, with a final release expected to follow in the coming weeks. There is no charge, as usual the update is provided free of charge.
