iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Adds Video Podcasts, RCS Encryption, and Playlist Playground

Apple has released the first developer beta of iOS 26.4, bringing a wide mix of new features across Messages, Apple Music, Podcasts, security settings, and system design. The update also expands encryption for RCS messaging and enables Stolen Device Protection by default.

iOS 26.4 is currently limited to developers, with a public beta expected soon. A full release is scheduled for spring.

Apple Music Adds AI Playlist Creation With “Playlist Playground”

Apple Music now includes a new feature called Playlist Playground that lets users generate playlists using text prompts.

Inside the Apple Music app, users can type a mood, theme, or idea and receive a 25-song playlist generated automatically. Apple provides preset prompts such as “morning coffee music,” “hip-hop party songs,” and “disco songs that defined the 1970s,” but users can enter any custom description.

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The feature generates a playlist title along with the song list. Users can refine results with additional prompts, customize the playlist description, and choose a cover.

Apple Music also gains a redesigned album and playlist layout with full-page artwork, and a new “Concerts Near You” section that highlights upcoming shows and tour dates for artists users follow.

Apple Podcasts Now Supports Native Video Playback With HLS

iOS 26.4 introduces video podcast support directly inside the Apple Podcasts app.

The implementation uses HTTP Live Streaming, Apple’s adaptive streaming technology, allowing creators to deliver high-quality video while maintaining stable playback across Wi-Fi and cellular connections. Users can switch between watching and listening seamlessly, and episodes can be downloaded for offline viewing.

Video podcasts integrate with existing Podcasts features, including recommendations and curated sections.

RCS Messages Gain End‑to‑End Encryption Across Platforms

Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging in iOS 26.4, alongside iPadOS 26.4 and macOS Tahoe 26.4.

RCS already supports encryption between many Android devices, while iMessage has long offered end-to-end encryption between Apple devices. Until now, cross-platform conversations between iPhone and Android users did not have full encryption.

With this update, Apple is implementing E2EE for RCS conversations in coordination with GSM standards efforts. Encrypted RCS messages will display a lock icon in the conversation interface. The current beta tests encryption in certain scenarios, with broader rollout expected in a future iOS 26 update.

Stolen Device Protection Is Now Enabled by Default

Stolen Device Protection, introduced in 2023 in response to passcode-based theft schemes, is now turned on by default.

The feature requires biometric authentication for sensitive actions such as accessing saved passwords, disabling Lost Mode in Find My, or making certain purchases. In some cases, it adds a one-hour security delay before critical changes can be made.

By enabling it automatically, Apple is shifting the feature from opt-in to standard protection for all users.

Messages App Gets Subtle Interface Animations

The Messages app includes new system animations for actions such as starting a new conversation. The changes are visual refinements rather than functional updates.

App Store and Apple Apps Adopt a Unified Apple Account Hub

Apple is rolling out a redesigned Apple Account interface across the App Store, Apple Music, and other apps.

The new unified hub replaces separate profile views and consolidates account management into a consistent layout. In the App Store, app updates now require two taps instead of being directly visible at the bottom of the profile screen. Search has also been repositioned, appearing at the top of the interface rather than as a persistent navigation button.

New Ambient Music Widget for Home and Lock Screen

iOS 26.4 adds an Ambient Music widget that can be placed on the Home Screen or Lock Screen.

The widget plays built-in ambient sound options tailored for sleep, productivity, and wellbeing scenarios.

Freeform Creator Studio Goes Live With Premium Content Tools

Freeform Creator Studio is now active for subscribers.

The update introduces a dedicated Content Hub containing expanded shape libraries and access to premium graphics, photos, and illustrations. Creator Studio subscribers also gain AI-powered tools for generating and editing images.

Freeform receives a new app icon alongside these changes.

Reminders Adds a Dedicated “Urgent” Section With Automatic Alarms

The Reminders app now includes an “Urgent” category.

When creating a reminder, users can toggle an Urgent option, which ensures the task includes an alarm. Urgent reminders appear in a dedicated section for faster access.

iCloud Settings Add Web Search Controls

In Settings under iCloud, Apple has replaced the previous web access toggle with a new “iCloud.com” section.

This includes an “Allow Search” option that enables trusted Apple devices to provide search results to iCloud.com.

EU-Only Features Expand Third-Party Wearable Access

Apple is reintroducing Notification Forwarding in the European Union, allowing iPhone notifications to be sent to a third-party wearable such as an Android smartwatch.

Only one device can receive forwarded notifications at a time, meaning enabling this feature disables notification delivery to Apple Watch.

Proximity Pairing, also limited to the EU, allows compatible third-party accessories to pair with an iPhone or iPad using a one-tap, close-range method similar to AirPods setup.

These changes respond to regulatory requirements in the EU regarding interoperability.

Emoji Code Hints at Upcoming Additions

No new emoji ship in this beta, but system code references upcoming characters, including a trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature, fight cloud, apple core, orca, landslide, and ballet dancers.

These are expected in a future beta update.

iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Brings Major Security, Messaging, and Media Upgrades

iOS 26.4 is shaping up as a feature-heavy point release, combining visible interface updates with deeper changes to encryption, security defaults, and regional compliance. The public beta is expected in the coming weeks, with a general release this spring.