**iOS 26.4 Beta: Notable Features and Upgrades**
Apple has unveiled the initial beta version of iOS 26.4, which brings forth an array of new functionalities and enhancements. Although numerous users anticipated updates for Siri, the beta still includes substantial improvements, especially regarding messaging security and device safeguarding.
### E2EE for RCS Messaging (Beta)
A standout feature in iOS 26.4 beta 1 is the rollout of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging. Apple has been developing this capability since March 2025, with the aim of bolstering privacy and security for users interfacing with Android devices.
RCS messaging upgrades traditional SMS by offering functionalities like read receipts, typing indicators, and superior quality images. However, in contrast to iMessage, which grants E2EE solely between Apple gadgets, RCS messages are encrypted only in transit when sent from an iPhone to a non-Apple device. The new beta enables users to experiment with E2EE for RCS messages, although it is crucial to acknowledge that not all carriers and devices endorse this feature. Encrypted threads can be recognized by the label “Encrypted,” but it seems that this capability currently pertains only to newly established message threads.
### Stolen Device Protection is Now Enabled by Default
Reacting to the surge in iPhone thefts, especially in Europe, Apple has set its Stolen Device Protection feature to be on by default. This feature was designed after incidents where criminals monitored victims as they entered their passcodes prior to snatching their devices.
Stolen Device Protection boosts security in two primary ways: it mandates biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) to alter vital security settings, and it imposes a one-hour waiting period before users can change these settings. This pause provides victims the opportunity to report their device as lost and initiate a remote wipe, thereby safeguarding their personal data and accounts.
### Conclusion
The iOS 26.4 beta 1 introduces meaningful progressions in messaging security and device protection, demonstrating Apple’s dedication to user safety. With the introduction of E2EE for RCS messaging and the default activation of Stolen Device Protection, users can look forward to a more secure experience on their devices. As the beta progresses, additional upgrades may emerge, promising even greater security for Apple customers.