Apple has released the first developer and public betas for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS 26.4, signaling a substantial update with new features.
Key advancements include a "Playlist Playground" for Apple Music subscribers to generate playlists via text prompts and native support for video podcasts in the Podcasts app. The Freeform app also gains a Creator Studio version, offering AI-generated images and stock content.
For MacBooks, macOS 26.4 introduces a manual slider for setting battery charge limits, allowing users to select a maximum charge percentage between 80 and 100 percent to potentially extend battery lifespan.
Messaging sees significant progress with the beta testing of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, though currently limited to Apple-to-Apple communications. This update also paves the way for future RCS enhancements like message editing and recalling.
The Safari browser is set to regain its "Compact" tab view option in Safari 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, a feature previously removed but popular with some users.
Stolen Device Protection, first introduced in iOS 17.3, will now be enabled by default in iOS 26.4, adding an extra layer of security for iPhones when away from familiar locations.
Finally, macOS 26.4 will begin notifying users about the eventual end of Rosetta 2 support, scheduled for macOS 28 in 2027, as Apple continues its transition to Apple Silicon.