Apple debuts iOS 26.4 beta 1 for developers, adding limited support for encrypted RCS messages, enhancements to Apple Music, and a Smart List for Reminders

iOS 26.4 beta 1 is now available in beta for developers. The update includes a ton of new features and changes for iPhone users.

9to5Mac 2026-02-17 Chance Miller

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@aaronp613 Aaron on x
iOS 26.4 ads a lot of en_IN (English-India) localizations, including Apple Pay 👀 Could this be a hint that Apple Pay is coming soon to India? [image]
@durreadan01 Adan on x
Apple Intelligence is redownloading after 26.4 beta update, so hopefully there is some change to Siri. [image]
@betaprofiles @betaprofiles on x
iOS 26.4 Beta 1 redesigns Albums and Playlists interface in Apple Music. Artwork now appears full-page, with colors that adapt based on the artwork itself. [image]
@snazzylabs Quinn Nelson on x
iOS 26.4 seems like it's missing some features like, uh, Apple Intelligence.
@cartidise Noah Cat on x
iOS 26.4 realigns the passcode screen to the center FINALLY [image]
@betaprofiles @betaprofiles on x
iOS 26.4 Beta 1 redesigns Apple Account page that appears when you tap your avatar in App Store, Apple Music, Apple TV, and Apple Podcasts. [image]
@aaronp613 Aaron on x
New in iOS 26.4 - Apple Music Concerts Near You: Find shows in your area and tour dates for artists you love right in Apple Music. New Look for Albums and Playlists: Full-page artwork brings your music to life. [image]
@aaronp613 Aaron on x
New in iOS 26.4 - redesigned account hubs on the App Store and Apple Music [image]
@aaronp613 Aaron on x
In iOS 26.4, Instead of giving us the new Apple Intelligence, Apple completely broke it instead! Been stuck “downloading” for 2 hours now [image]
@brandonbutch Brandon Butch on x
You can now create Apple Music playlists using only a text prompt! (iOS 26.4 Beta 1) [image]
@dylanmcd8 Dylan on x
Welcome back iOS 8.4!! ITS SO GOOD [image]
@betaprofiles @betaprofiles on x
Want to try Playlist Playground in Apple Music on iOS 26.4 beta, but Apple Intelligence is stuck on “downloading”... 😭 [image]
@appleinsider.com @appleinsider.com on bluesky
Three years after the feature rolled out, Apple is automatically enabling Stolen Device Protection in iOS 26.4, expanding safeguards against an ever-expanding epidemic of iPhone theft.
@marioguzman@mastodon.social @marioguzman@mastodon.social on mastodon
Idk if new or not but I just discovered the Concerts section in the Apple Music app. Neato! 🤩 — [images]
@marioguzman@mastodon.social @marioguzman@mastodon.social on mastodon
At this point, I doubt Apple will fix the top of sidebars in full-screen mode as they still look like this even in the 26.4 Beta from today. — [images]
@filipeesposito@mastodon.social @filipeesposito@mastodon.social on mastodon
iOS 26.4 beta code teases ‘AI playlists’ for Apple Music: — Based on the code discovered by Macworld, Apple Music subscribers will have access to “a new way to make playlists” using Apple Intelligence. The feature, called “Playlist Playground,” will generate playlists based on…
@stroughtonsmith … Steve Troughton-Smith on mastodon
New API for encrypted video players to let users screenshot or screen record, I guess? — [image]
@stroughtonsmith … Steve Troughton-Smith on mastodon
iOS 26.4 already looks to be walking back some of the more-controversial tab bar changes in some apps, like the bottom-aligned search bar 🥲
TV Blackbox Robert McKnight on x
Apple goes all-in on video podcasts - and it's a game changer for creators
@jjaron Jacob Aron on bluesky
Every day we stray further from Jobs' light [embedded post]
@bripie.me Brian on bluesky
With more podcasts adopting video, I hope podcasts take a ‘listen first’ approach and don't turn it into a visual conversation. — Some shows I listen to have video on but the hosts can't see each other either to keep the feel of an audio podcast. [embedded post]
@caseynewton Casey Newton on bluesky
Yeah I think we can just call that “video capabilities” [embedded post]
r/overcast r on reddit
Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts
r/apple r on reddit
Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts
r/AppleMusic r on reddit
Apple Music and TikTok team up on new ‘Listening Party’ feature, more
r/iOSBeta r on reddit
iOS 26.4 Beta 1 - Discussion

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Apple debuts iOS 26.4 beta 1 for developers, adding limited support for encrypted RCS messages, enhancements to Apple Music, and a Smart List for Reminders

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