Apple has officially begun rolling out the first developer beta of iOS 26.4, marking the start of the next update cycle for iPhone software less than a week after the release of iOS 26.3. Registered developers can now download and install the iOS 26.4 beta on eligible iPhones to test upcoming features and improvements ahead of a full public release later this spring.
The iOS 26.4 beta introduces a wide range of enhancements across core apps and system functions, with one of the biggest additions being expanded support for video podcasts in the native Podcasts app. Users will be able to watch and listen to video versions of podcast episodes, switching seamlessly between formats and even downloading video content for offline viewing — something that reflects Apple’s ongoing push into richer multimedia experiences.
Another highlight of the upcoming update is the improvement of device security with changes to Stolen Device Protection, which strengthens safeguards in situations where someone may have unauthorized access to a device. While this feature was introduced previously, the beta makes it more robust and deeply integrated into system settings.
Messaging is also getting attention in iOS 26.4’s early beta, with Apple beginning testing of end-to-end encryption for RCS (Rich Communication Services). Although full cross-platform encrypted messaging — including communication with Android devices — is not yet active, the groundwork being laid in the beta signals a significant step toward broader messaging security in future versions.
In the Apple Music app, developers now have access to experimental tools such as a new “Playlist Playground” feature that uses AI to generate curated playlists based on user prompts like mood, genre, or theme. This AI-infused functionality is designed to make music discovery more intuitive and creative.
The developer beta also includes a host of smaller but meaningful improvements — from interface and usability tweaks to deeper system refinements — as Apple prepares the forthcoming public release. While some high-profile additions, such as an enhanced version of Siri driven by on-device AI, are expected later in iOS 26.5 or an even newer update, the current beta gives a clear view into the direction Apple is taking with this generation of software.
Alongside iOS 26.4, Apple has also released initial beta versions for platforms like iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, reinforcing a coordinated ecosystem update strategy. Developers testing the iOS 26.4 beta will provide essential feedback that helps iron out bugs and shape the final software before it reaches the wider public, likely within the next few months.
With its mix of new multimedia capabilities, enhanced security features, and AI-driven tools, the iOS 26.4 beta rollout signals that Apple’s next major update will bring both practical upgrades and fresh experiences to iPhone users around the world.
