Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that iOS 26.4 beta has launched without the anticipated new Siri, despite bringing several notable updates across Apple’s ecosystem.
- Key features include RCS end-to-end encryption for Android messaging, enhanced video podcast experience, and AI-generated Apple Music playlists.
- The update appears significant for security with default Stolen Device Protection and productivity improvements through Freeform’s Creator Studio enhancement.
After Apple released iOS 26.3 last week, we were anticipating the first beta release of iOS 26.4 with bated breath. That’s because rumors for the better part of a year have pointed to this update as the one to bring the revamped Siri that has been expected since 2024. However, after a rumor last week dampened those expectations considerably, it looks like iOS 26.4 will be another minor update as Apple continues to polish Siri.
iOS 26.4 beta: New features
We won’t know all of the new features and changes to expect in iOS 26.4 until the final version is released to users sometime in late March or Aoril. We’ll update this section with new features as we discover them.
New video podcast experience: Apple has announced that iOS 26.4 will enable HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology in the Podcast app to “switch seamlessly between watching and listening to shows.”
RCS end-to-end encryption: It’s taken about a year, but Apple will finally encrypt RCS messages to and from Android phones in iOS 26.4.
Stolen Device Protection: The feature introduced in iOS 17.3 will now be enabled by default starting with iOS 26.4.
Freeform: Apple’s whiteboarding app has gotten its Creator Studio update with new features and a new icon.
Apple Music: iOS 26.4 introduces a new interface for albums as well as AI playlists that are automatically generated based on prompts.
iOS 26.4 beta: How to install the public beta
If you want to test the iOS 26 beta releases but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:
- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device.
- Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
- In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.
It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
iOS 26.4 beta: How to install the developer beta
You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap on Account.
- Sign in using your usual Apple ID.
Find out everything you need to know about iOS 26 in our iOS 26 superguide.
