Year: 2026

iOS 26.4 has just been released, bringing a significant update for new iPhone features. Here are my top four favorite features introduced in iOS 26.4.

## #1: Apple Music’s ‘Playlist Playground’

Apple Music has received various new features in iOS 26.4, including an intriguing AI function: ‘Playlist Playground.’ With Playlist Playground, you can create new playlists simply using a text prompt. The Music app offers recommended prompts to choose from, but you can also start fresh and write whatever you wish. Once Playlist Playground has generated the new playlist, you can further refine it or manually add or remove songs to suit your preferences. This feature makes it easy to discover the right music for your mood.

## #2: New emoji

Apple usually introduces new emoji to the iPhone just once every year, and the newest additions can be found in iOS 26.4. The latest emoji include:
– Ballet Dancer
– Distorted Face
– Fight Cloud
– Hairy Creature
– Landslide
– Orca
– Trombone
– Treasure Chest

My personal favorites include the Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Hairy Creature, and Treasure Chest, which are likely to be included in the regular emoji lineup.

## #3: Video upgrades in Apple Podcasts

Apple Podcasts has offered video podcasts for several years, but the feature had become stagnant and was not widely used by creators. With the increasing popularity of video content on YouTube and Spotify, Apple was due for an update—and iOS 26.4 provides just that. Apple has revamped the Podcasts app for an enhanced video experience. Users can easily switch between viewing and listening to shows, making the process of exploring and watching video podcasts as enjoyable as listening to audio podcasts. Users can watch videos directly in the app, switch to a horizontal fullscreen display, and download videos for offline viewing. Automatic quality adjustments powered by HLS technology guarantee smooth playback regardless of network conditions.

## #4: New design for Apple Music albums and playlists

Another feature in Apple Music is the new fullscreen layout for albums and playlists. Now, the Music app’s entire interface changes to complement the color of the album or playlist artwork. This stunning effect makes the app feel fresh and tailored to whatever you’re currently enjoying.

For more information on the new features available in iOS 26.4, check out our complete guide here. Which new iOS 26.4 features have you enjoyed the most so far? Share your thoughts in the comments.

As anticipated, Apple has submitted a motion indicating its intention to request the Supreme Court to reconsider its recent defeat in the Epic Games lawsuit. Here are the specifics.

### A bit of background

Recently, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit unanimously dismissed Apple’s petition to re-examine a ruling that was in favor of Epic Games in its protracted dispute with the creator of Fortnite.

Apple contended that the ruling in question caused ambiguity concerning what charges it could legitimately impose for transactions conducted outside the App Store.

As mentioned last week:

> “To summarize, Apple highlighted two potential interpretations: one restricting it to only cover the direct expenses of supporting external purchases, whereas the other would permit it to take a wider commission related to the overall value of the App Store and its ecosystem.”

Taking this into consideration, Apple adopted a dual approach in its appeal. It sought a rehearing from the same trio of judges that initially reviewed the case, while also requesting an en banc examination by the complete Ninth Circuit.

Both propositions were rejected, ultimately leaving Apple with minimal options except to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court.

Now, Apple has indicated that this is its next step.

### Apple’s updated request

In a fresh submission to the court (via TechCrunch), Apple indicates that it will petition the U.S. Supreme Court to examine critical components of the ruling that determined it was in contempt regarding its App Store regulations.

For reference, in 2021, a court mandated Apple to permit developers to direct users to outside payment alternatives beyond the App Store. Years later, the court found Apple in violation, ruling that its 27% fee contradicted that order and necessitated modifications applicable to all U.S. developers, not just Epic Games.

In the recent filing, Apple asserts that the breadth of the remedy imposed on the App Store exceeds what courts are permitted to enforce, as the injunction enlarged the scope to encompass all developers instead of remaining focused solely on Epic Games.

Moreover, Apple is also seeking a stay on the ruling, intending to suspend any mandated alterations to its App Store operations while the Supreme Court deliberates whether to revisit the case again, after previously declining to entertain Apple’s earlier appeal in the same matter in January 2024.

In a statement given to TechCrunch, “a spokesperson for Epic Games, Natalie Munoz, referred to Apple’s motion to stay as ‘another delay tactic to obstruct the court from establishing significant and permanent restrictions on Apple’s ability to impose excessive fees on third-party payments,’ adding:

> “Courts have consistently deemed this illegal. […] Epic has received this feedback directly from numerous developers during our initiatives to provide Web Shops and similar features to them in competition with Apple. Due to Apple’s maneuvers, only a few courageous developers such as Spotify, Kindle, and Patreon have opted to take advantage of this right and deliver benefits to consumers. We will persist in opposing Apple’s efforts to diminish competition.”

To review Apple’s motion, click this link.

### Recommended resources on Amazon

FTC: We utilize income-generating auto affiliate links. More.

### Xteink’s Groundbreaking E-Reader: The X4

If you love reading while on the move but favor an E Ink display instead of your smartphone, Xteink has launched an offering that may catch your eye: the X4, a sleek, MagSafe-compatible e-reader designed to connect to your iPhone.

#### E-Reader Compatibility and Design

The X4 e-reader is tailored specifically to attach to the iPhone 17 Pro Max and similarly sized devices using MagSafe technology. With a mere thickness of 5.9mm, it adds negligible bulk, making it feel like an extension of your iPhone rather than an independent gadget. This characteristic enables users to conveniently carry their reading material without the need for an extra device.

The X4 is available for purchase on Amazon at $69, making it an economical choice for those seeking to elevate their reading experience.

#### Upcoming Model: The X3

For users with iPhone models that aren’t Pro Max, Xteink is preparing to launch the X3 model, which is even more compact and will be compatible with a broader array of devices, including the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone Air. The X3 is set at a price of $79, and pre-orders are currently being accepted. Additional information can be found on Xteink’s official website.

#### Conclusion

The X4 along with the forthcoming X3 models offer a distinctive chance for enthusiastic readers who prefer the E Ink display for its eye-friendly reading experience. By integrating effortlessly with iPhones, these e-readers present a sensible option for individuals who wish to relish reading without lugging around multiple devices.