Many iPhone users are waiting for it: iOS 26.4 brings exciting new features.

With iOS 26.4 Beta 1, Apple is taking a big step towards video podcasts and is also working on a feature that many iPhone users have been waiting for for years: encrypted RCS messages with Android contacts.

With the first beta of iOS 26.4, Apple is enabling video streaming within its Podcasts app for the first time. Users can now easily switch between audio and video during playback by tapping the screen, without interrupting the stream. The video quality will automatically adjust to the speed of the internet connection. 

This innovation is Apple’s direct response to competitors like Spotify and YouTube and aims to bind creators more closely to its own ecosystem. It also introduces new opportunities for dynamic video advertising.

With the iOS 26.4 update, Apple Music expands its offerings with the new “Playlist Playground.” This allows users to automatically create playlists by typing a prompt, for example, “Music for my morning coffee” or “Disco Hits of the 70s.” Apple also introduces the “Concerts Near You” section, which highlights local events. There are also visual updates: Album and playlist pages are redesigned with larger artwork.

iOS 26.4 brings more security

Apple is also rolling out a long-awaited security update for communication with Android users. The beta version includes initial steps toward implementing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) based on the RCS standard. Currently, however, the test is limited to chats between iPhones that do not use iMessage. 

Nevertheless, this lays an important foundation for secure message transmission between iOS and Android. At the same time, Apple is tightening its anti-theft measures: “Device Protection” can no longer be accidentally deactivated, making access considerably more difficult for thieves.

Siri 2.0 is still pending.

However, not everything is running smoothly: The planned AI-powered version of Siri is still pending. According to insiders like Mark Gurman, Apple is struggling with significant stability issues, which is why the feature will likely only be introduced with iOS 26.5 or even in the fall of 2026. Beta users, however, can enjoy a more organized wallpaper gallery and smoother animations. 

The final version of iOS 26.4 is expected to be released at the end of March or the beginning of April. Developers with registered accounts already have access to build 23E5207q, while the public beta will be available as usual in the coming days.

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