Apple has announced the first iOS 26.4 beta for iPhone users with a slew of new features including full screen backgrounds for playlists and albums in Apple Music, an AI-backed playlist generator in Apple Music, a new wallpaper gallery, Video podcasts, and more. Here’s everything new the update has to offer iPhone users.
iOS 26.4 Beta: New Features
The iOS 26.4 beta 1 is limited to developers but should expand to the general public in the coming weeks.
One of the more interesting additions is Playlist Playground in Apple Music. It lets you create playlists using simple text prompts. You can type something like “gym music with energy” or “romantic songs from 2000s,” and the app generates a 25-song playlist with a custom title. You can refine it further with additional prompts, tweak the cover art, and add descriptions. Apple Music also now highlights concerts near you and features redesigned album and playlist pages with full-page artwork.
Apple Podcasts is further getting video podcast support in iOS 26.4 beta. Creators can now publish video episodes using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), and users can switch between listening and watching within the same episode. Videos can also be downloaded for offline viewing, and playback adapts smoothly whether you’re on Wi-Fi or cellular. These video episodes integrate into the existing recommendation system, so they show up in personalized suggestions and curated sections.
On the security front, Stolen Device Protection is now turned on by default instead of being optional (via MacRumors).
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Another major change in the iOS 26.4 beta is end-to-end Encryption for RCS messages. Apple has been working with the GSM Association to bring full encryption to cross-platform messaging.
The Messages app also includes subtle new animations when starting conversations. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced a more unified Apple Account design across apps like the App Store and Apple Music. The App Store layout has further changed slightly, including a new way to access updates and a repositioned search bar.
There’s also a new Ambient Music widget for the Home and Lock Screen, offering built-in soundscapes for sleep, productivity, or relaxation. The Wallpaper Gallery and Watch Face Gallery have also been redesigned for easier browsing along with support for server-side downloads.
Freeform gains Creator Studio features for subscribers, including access to premium content and AI-powered tools. Reminders now includes an “Urgent” category, which ensures important tasks trigger an alarm. iCloud settings also get a small update, with a new iCloud.com section and improved search controls.
In the EU, Apple is testing notification forwarding to third-party wearables and proximity pairing features that allow one-tap setup similar to AirPods. These changes are aimed at addressing regulatory requirements and improving compatibility beyond the Apple ecosystem.
The beta misses out on the much awaited (and delayed) Siri upgrade users have been longing for and a report recently suggested that it could be arriving with iOS 26.5, but nothing has been confirmed officially so far.
Author: Abhishek Malhotra
Source: The Mobile Indian
Reviewed By: Editorial Team
