Apple has launched the latest version of its mobile operating system, iOS 26.4, with new features such as AI-driven playlist creation in Apple Music, video support in Podcasts, and end-to-end encryption for RCS messages. This update is in public beta and is set for public release in March or April.
### Apple Music Enhancements
iOS 26.4 introduces an AI-powered “Playlist Playground” in Apple Music, allowing users to create custom playlists from text prompts with refined results and selectable cover art. The update also refreshes the Apple Music interface to display full-screen artwork for albums and playlists.
### Concerts Near You
Apple Music now has a “Concerts Near You” feature, helping users discover live shows, which can be filtered by Date, Genre, or location.
### Apple Podcasts Video Integration
The Podcasts app now supports seamless transitions between audio and video, allowing creators to publish video podcasts via HLS. This release integrates video episodes with existing Podcast features and offers automatic quality adjustments and offline viewing for video content.
### RCS Messaging Encryption
RCS conversations gain end-to-end encryption, with Apple testing this between iPhones in beta to offer secure messaging similar to iMessage.
### Stolen Device Protection
By default, iOS 26.4 enables Stolen Device Protection, enhancing security with biometric authentication for sensitive actions.
### In-Car Video Playback in CarPlay
CarPlay supports in-car video playback for select apps, providing new entertainment options when parked.
### Third-Party AI on CarPlay
CarPlay expands to include third-party AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude.
### Audio Zoom in Camera App
The Camera app introduces Audio Zoom, focusing the mic on subjects when zooming in video recordings to reduce background noise.
### Urgent Reminders
A new “Urgent” section in the Reminders app groups high-priority tasks and can trigger prominent alerts.
### Additional Features
– Introduction of a unified Apple Account Hub.
– New animation for drafting messages in the Messages app.
– Redesigned Wallpaper Gallery.
– Enhanced playlist management in Apple Music.
– Updates to the Health app with new metrics.
– Personal Hotspot feature now shows data usage by device.
– Live Captions support for Chinese (Taiwan).
– A new battery charge limit action in Shortcuts.
– Redesigned iCloud section in Settings.
The update does not include a next-generation Siri experience, which has been delayed.