Public beta lands with AI-powered features

Apple has released the public beta of iOS 26.4, introducing a wave of AI-driven tools, security upgrades and media enhancements across its ecosystem.

The update, expected to roll out publicly in March or April, places Apple Intelligence front and centre — from music curation to messaging encryption.

Apple Music gets AI playlist builder

The standout addition is “Playlist Playground,” a new feature in Apple Music powered by Apple Intelligence.

Users can generate a 25-track playlist from a simple text prompt such as:

  • “Upbeat workout mix”
  • “Calm evening vibes”
  • “Indie road trip”

Playlists can then be refined, reordered and paired with customised cover art. Apple Music’s interface has also been refreshed with more immersive, full-screen artwork for albums and playlists.

A new “Concerts Near You” section helps listeners discover upcoming live events, with filters for date, genre and location.

Video podcasts come to Apple Podcasts

Following Spotify’s expansion into video, Apple Podcasts now supports video episodes.

Creators can upload video using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), enabling:

  • Seamless switching between audio and video
  • Automatic quality adjustment on Wi-Fi or cellular
  • Offline downloads for video episodes

At launch, support includes hosting platforms such as Acast and SiriusXM.

Apple will also allow dynamic video ad insertion within HLS podcasts. While podcast distribution remains free, participating ad networks will later pay impression-based fees for dynamic ad delivery.

Encrypted RCS messaging enters beta

Messaging security takes a step forward with encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS), now in beta testing.

The goal is to bring end-to-end encryption to conversations between iPhone and Android users — narrowing the security gap with iMessage.

For now:

  • Encryption is being tested between iPhones in beta
  • Not all devices and carriers support the feature
  • Wider rollout is planned for iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS in a later update

Encrypted conversations are clearly labelled and protected from interception during transmission.

Stronger theft protection by default

Security enhancements continue with Stolen Device Protection now enabled automatically.

Sensitive actions — such as accessing saved passwords or modifying account settings — require additional biometric verification through Face ID or Touch ID. The move aims to reduce risks if a device is stolen and the passcode compromised.

CarPlay expands entertainment and AI

Apple CarPlay receives notable upgrades.

Video playback is now supported in select apps, including the Apple TV app, though only when the vehicle is parked.

For the first time, CarPlay will also integrate third-party AI services such as:

  • OpenAI’s ChatGPT
  • Google’s Gemini
  • Anthropic’s Claude

The move signals a broader shift toward in-car AI assistance.

Camera, widgets and reminders updated

Other additions in iOS 26.4 include:

  • Audio Zoom in the Camera app, which sharpens microphone focus on subjects during video recording
  • An Ambient Music widget for quick access to soundscapes from the Home Screen
  • A new “Urgent” category in Reminders that triggers stronger alerts for high-priority tasks
  • Health app updates, including an Average Bedtime metric
  • A revamped Wallpaper Gallery and App Store layout tweaks

Smaller refinements span from unified account management hubs to enhanced Personal Hotspot data tracking.

Siri’s next chapter still missing

Conspicuously absent is the long-anticipated next-generation Siri overhaul. Despite Apple’s broader AI ambitions, the deeper transformation of its voice assistant remains delayed.

Summary

iOS 26.4 marks one of Apple’s more ambitious mid-cycle updates, blending AI-driven creativity with practical security upgrades. From playlist generation and video podcasts to encrypted RCS messaging and expanded CarPlay capabilities, the beta signals Apple’s push to weave intelligence deeper into everyday features — even as a next-gen Siri continues to wait in the wings.