Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Public Beta With AI Music and Video
Apple has officially rolled out the public beta of iOS 26.4, offering a first look at several significant updates to its mobile ecosystem. The new software introduces AI-driven tools for music discovery, expanded video capabilities for podcasts, and a stronger focus on device security. While a full public launch is anticipated between March and April, testing is already underway for key features across the platform.
AI-Powered Music Enhancements
A standout addition in this update is the “Playlist Playground” feature within Apple Music. Powered by Apple Intelligence, it allows users to generate custom 25-song playlists based on specific text prompts, such as “upbeat workout mix” or “calm evening.” Users retain the ability to refine these results and select matching cover art for their creations.
Additionally, the interface has received a visual refresh that emphasizes full-screen artwork for both albums and playlists. Music fans will also gain access to a “Concerts Near You” section, which allows users to filter live performance listings by genre, date, or location.
Video Integration in Podcasts
The Podcasts app is evolving to support video content, allowing creators to utilize HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to publish episodes. Listeners can seamlessly toggle between audio and video playback, including a full horizontal display mode. Apple has noted that HLS will enable automatic quality adjustments based on network conditions, and users retain the ability to download video episodes for offline viewing.
Partners supporting this launch include Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM. While Apple does not charge for podcast distribution, it plans to introduce an impression-based fee for dynamic ads within HLS videos later this year.
Security Upgrades
iOS 26.4 brings a testing phase for end-to-end encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS). This initiative aims to provide secure messaging across iPhone and Android devices, mirroring the protections currently offered by iMessage. Furthermore, “Stolen Device Protection” is now enabled by default, requiring biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive actions, such as password access or account modifications.
CarPlay and Camera Updates
CarPlay now supports video playback for specific apps, such as Apple TV, but restricts this feature to when the vehicle is parked. Additionally, CarPlay is opening its platform to third-party AI services, including ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. For photographers, the Camera app introduces “Audio Zoom,” which focuses the microphone on a specific subject during video recording to minimize background noise.
Utility and Productivity
Users can now access Ambient Music directly from the Home Screen via a new widget. The Reminders app has also been updated with an “Urgent” section, providing more prominent alerts for high-priority tasks. Other minor updates include a unified Apple Account Hub, expanded data usage details for Personal Hotspots, and improved health metrics, such as “Average Bedtime” and oxygen level tracking in the Health app.
Notably, while expectations for a next-generation Siri experience remain high, these updates are reportedly delayed and are not included in the current beta release.