New Delhi: Apple has officially released its latest public beta of iOS 26.4, the developer beta rollout recently, as we saw that. This latest update adds video podcast support in Apple Podcasts, text-based playlist creation in Apple Music, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, and changes to Stolen Device Protection. The first public beta of iOS 26.4 also unveils the latest metric for the sleep section of the Health application.
iOS 26.4 public beta adds the latest Prompted Playlist features that let users generate playlists using text prompts. In the Apple Music application, users can type an idea, mood, or theme, and it will receive a 25-song playlist with a custom title. They have also introduced the latest home screen widget for accessing ambient music playlists. Apple is also reported to be bringing video podcast support to the Apple Podcasts application. The feature will utilizes HTTP Live Streaming. This latest upgraded Podcasts application will enable users to switch between watching and listening to episodes, with video downloads supported for offline viewing.
Stolen Device Protection is now turned on by default by this latest update to all iPhone users. This feature also unveils extra security by requiring Face ID and Touch ID authentication to access sensitive functions. Certain actions are restricted without biometric verification, while others trigger a one-hour security delay. Freeform Creator Studio now lets the Creator Studio subscribers access extended Freeform tools. The subscribers can also access the premium assets like graphics, photos, illustrations, and AI-powered tools for image creation. This latest update also comes with the latest application icon.
Apple has also added that in its latest release, the RCS message end-to-end encryption will be available for testing with this beta update. Urgent reminders come with the built-in alarm to ensure the users receive a clear alert when the task is due. iOS 26.4 public beta also comes with the latest Average Bedtime metric within the Sleep Section of the Health application. Apple has also refreshed the Vitals section in the US by adding the blood oxygen level data to the daily line graph overview.
Eligible iPhone to get this iOS 26.4 public beta update:
- iPhone 17 series
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 series
- iPhone 14 series
- iPhone 13 series
- iPhone 12 series
- iPhone 11 series
- iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)
