New Delhi: Apple has recently reported they have released its second build of iOS 26.4 beta 3 for developers, three days after rolling out the first version. It is not yet clear what changes the latest build addresses, but the update is currently available as an over-the-air download. The latest release carries the build number 23E5223K by replacing the earlier 23E5223f build.
Apple might have included the fixes for issues or bugs reported by users in the earlier version. Apple has already unveiled several changes across the iOS 26.4 beta builds, providing a glimpse of what users can expect from the upcoming update.
Apple Podcasts update
Apple Podcasts will be adding support for native video podcasts by enabling the creators to produce, share, and monetize video content directly within the application. Video episodes will also work with existing features such as personalized recommendations and editorial picks.
Playlist Playground
iOS 26.4 comes with the latest Apple Music features called Playlist Playground. It lets users create playlists using text prompts. The users can enter a mood, an idea, or a theme and receive automatic song suggestions for a 25-song playlist with a custom title.
RCS encryption
Apple is now testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, a security layer that is not yet available for cross-platform chats. Encrypted RCS conversations will display lock icon in the chat interface. The feature is currently being tested for both iPhone-to-iPhone and iPhone-to-Android conversations.
New emojis
Apple has not yet announced new emojis, but some reports suggested that the update could add a few. It includes trombone, treasure chest, orca, landslide, and Bigfoot.
Stolen Device Protection
Stolen Device Protection is now turned on by default for all iPhone users rather than being an optional setting. These features also add an extra layer of security by requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication to access sensitive functions such as the Passwords application, enabling Lost Mode in Find My, making purchases in Safari, and much more.
Message App
Message application comes with the latest animations for actions such as starting new conversations.
Ambient Music widget
The latest Ambient Music widget will be added to the Home Screen and Lock Screen. It will let the users play built-in ambient tracks designed for sleep, focus, relaxation, and other moods.
Wallpaper and Watch Face Gallery
Wallpaper Gallery is now getting a refreshed design, by making it easier to browse and download wallpapers from categories such as Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, and Colours directly to the iPhone. Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch applications also features the same design change.
UI tweaks
Apple has included several minor tweaks in iOS 26.4. and in Dark Mode, menu pop-ups in the Control Center now appear with a dark background. There are slight changes to the Account Hub interface in the App Store.
Games App
Apple moved the Search bar back to the top of the Search tab in the App Store and integrated the Search tab into the bottom bar. iOS 26.4 beta 2, the similar Search bar and tab layout changes have now been applied to the Games applications.
Freeform Creator Studio
This update has introduced the dedicated Content Hub that brings together Freeform’s shapes and design options in one place. Subscribers will be able to access the premium assets such as graphics, photos, and illustrations. It will also include AI-powered tools for image creation and editing.
