The first major spring update for the iPhone is now underway. Apple has released iOS 26.4 beta 1 for developers, an intermediate version that, far from being limited to minor corrections, reorganizes several important parts of the system: security, messaging, music, podcasts and even mobile data management.
This beta version comes with a rather practical approach: Less noise from flashy features and more changes that are noticeable in everyday life.Protection against theft is being strengthened, RCS message encryption is being improved, AI-generated playlists are being launched on Apple Music, and podcasts are making a serious leap into video. All of this is slated for release in the spring, when the final version should reach the general public.
An update that changes priorities mid-cycle
iOS tends to be quite iterative mid-cycle, but iOS 26.4 beta 1 marks a small shift in Apple's prioritiesInstead of focusing on one flagship feature, the company spreads its efforts across several key areas: how we consume content, how we protect our mobile devices, and how we communicate with other systems.
Only registered developers can officially participate in this first beta, although the public beta It is expected in a matter of days or a few weeks.Apple's plan is to release a stable version ready for all iPhones compatible with iOS 26 by the end of March or the beginning of April.
On the table, the package of new products is extensive: New design for Apple Music, improvements to Apple Podcasts, adjustments to the App Store, changes to Reminders, and new features specific to the European Union to adapt to digital regulations. All this without altering the Liquid Glass aesthetics which debuted in iOS 26, but giving a little more life and order to several sections.
Meanwhile, the company continues to make moves with Apple Intelligence, although The great AI-powered evolution of Siri is not ready yet.The language models are being downloaded again in this beta, indicating internal work, but no visible changes for the end user at the moment.
For those who want to try the developer beta now, the process is the usual one: from the iPhone, simply go to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and select the developer option for iOS 26. However, it's advisable to install it on a secondary device or one with a backup, as these are still beta versions.
The new Siri still hasn't arrived in iOS 26.4 beta 1
One of the biggest expectations surrounding iOS 26.4 was the arrival of a Siri completely revamped, more conversational, and fully supported by Apple IntelligenceFor now, that transformation hasn't appeared in this first beta: the assistant's interface remains the same and its capabilities are practically the same as we already knew.
What is noticeable is background movement. After installing the beta, Apple Intelligence is completely downloaded again and the language models are reinstalled.This indicates that the company continues to refine the AI infrastructure that the assistant will rely on in future versions.
Attention now shifts to possible later versions, such as a hypothetical iOS 26.5, although Apple has only publicly committed to the new Siri experience arriving sometime in 2026.That leaves room until the end of the year and even leads some analysts to point to iOS 27 as a realistic scenario for seeing the big leap.
In practice, those who install iOS 26.4 beta 1 will continue to find Siri just as they knew it. There are no new featured commands, no revamped interface, and no extended conversation modes.The work is at the base, not yet on the surface.
Apple Music: a complete redesign and AI-powered playlists
Where a significant change is noticeable is in Apple Music. In iOS 26.4, The album and playlist screens are completely redesignedThe cover dominates the entire view, and the background color adapts to the main tone of that image, generating a much more immersive and visually coherent experience.
This approach is reminiscent of earlier stages of the app, but with the touch of iOS 26's Liquid Glass aesthetic. Albums and playlists now take up almost the entire screenwith transitions and gradients that aim to make the entire player look like an extension of the cover art of the content being listened to.
The other big new feature is Playlist Playground, a system of playlists generated using Apple IntelligenceThe system works by writing a text describing what you want to listen to: “music for your morning coffee”, “hip-hop for a party”, “70s disco classics” or any combination of atmosphere, genre and era.
Based on that indication, the system assembles a list of about 25 songs, with customizable titles and cover artYou can further refine the selection with more instructions, adjusting styles or discarding tracks that don't fit. This is the first time Apple has so directly integrated generative AI into Apple Music for regular users.
For now, this feature is being tested in Apple Music accounts set up in the United StatesIt's reasonable to expect that future betas will expand to more languages and regions, including Europe, but there are no official dates at the moment. Also, keep in mind that the AI engine can take some time to download after the update, so it's not always immediately available.
Along with Playlist Playground, Apple Music adds a "concerts near you" section It displays dates and events for artists marked as favorites or related, and helps discover performances in the area. This completes a move that brings the service closer to what other music streaming platforms already offer.
Podcasts: a serious leap into video and more flexible use
The Podcasts app also gains prominence in iOS 26.4 beta 1. Apple activates Playing video podcasts using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technologyso that creators can offer episodes with image and sound by taking advantage of the company's streaming infrastructure.
The user experience is based on flexibility: You can easily switch between audio-only mode and video mode within the same episode, without losing your place in the playback. This allows you, for example, to listen to a program while on public transport and switch to the video when you're at home.
In addition, video episodes can download for offline viewingJust like with traditional audio, the system adjusts playback quality based on the available connection, both Wi-Fi and mobile data, trying to avoid interruptions without requiring the user to adjust complicated settings.
These new video podcasts are integrated with the rest of the app: They appear in personalized recommendations, editorial selections, and playlists that already existed. For European creators and media outlets, the move opens a door to centralizing audio and video on a single platform, without relying solely on YouTube.
Security: Stolen Device Protection enabled by default
One of the most significant changes in iOS 26.4 beta 1 is that Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default on compatible iPhones. Until now, it was an optional feature that many users never even activated, despite being designed precisely to stop very common attacks.
This extra layer requires Face ID or Touch ID to access particularly sensitive actionsThis includes managing passwords, modifying important account information, changing critical settings, or activating Lost Mode in the Find My app. Security delays of around an hour are even introduced for certain configuration changes.
The logic behind this decision is clear: not to depend on the user's level of knowledge to have the mobile phone protectedIf someone steals an iPhone knowing the unlock code, they encounter additional barriers that make it difficult to access accounts, passwords, or purchases.
Since the function comes active from the factory, also users less accustomed to tinkering with settings They benefit from the protection. For those who wish, the behavior can be reviewed from the iOS menus themselves, but the basic principle is that the system opts for a "default" security approach.
Full encryption for RCS messages: the next step in messaging
In the area of communication, iOS 26.4 beta 1 takes a significant step towards Enable end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messagesFor now, testing is focused on conversations between iPhones, as an initial phase to fine-tune the system before opening it up to communication with Android.
So far, iMessage already offered end-to-end encryption between Apple devicesAnd Google's messaging solutions did the same between Android phones. The weak point was cross-platform sharing, including the migration to Androidwhere standard messages were more exposed.
With this change, Apple begins to close that gap through the RCS standard, which can be understood as an evolution of SMS with modern features: higher quality photo and video sending, typing indicators, more advanced groups, and now, strong encryption when fully enabled.
In compatible conversations, The system will display a padlock icon indicating that the chat is protected.This applies to both iOS and the RCS standard. The company is working with the GSMA and industry partners to make this cross-platform encryption a reality beyond iPhone testing.
New wallpaper gallery: a system reminiscent of the App Store
iOS 26.4 also refreshes the aesthetic part of the system with a completely reorganized wallpaper galleryThe interface abandons the chaos of endless lists and adopts a model very similar to that of the App Store, with collections and download buttons.
The funds are now grouped into categories such as Time, Astronomy, Emoji, Colors and moreEach block appears as a kind of token, and when you press the "Get" button, that specific background is downloaded to the iPhone, instead of downloading everything at once.
This approach not only makes it easier to find what you're interested in, but also It allows you to free up space by removing unused fundsThe system hints at a possible future expansion of the collection, either with more original designs or even with contributions from third parties if Apple decides to open that door.
The same approach also applies to the Apple Watch face galleryThis makes ecosystem customization more coherent: funds and spheres are managed similarly, with on-demand downloads and a more organized catalog.
Improvements to Reminders, sound widget, and Freeform Creator Studio
Beyond the big headlines, iOS 26.4 beta 1 adds a series of small changes that They improve everyday usability without making too much noiseThese are details that, once you get used to them, are hard to give up.
The Reminders app incorporates a smart list called “Urgent” It automatically groups critical tasks and triggers clear reminders as the deadline approaches. The idea is to ensure that what's truly important doesn't get lost among dozens of less important notifications.
A New ambient music widgetDesigned to play background sounds for relaxation, concentration, better sleep, or simply to mask ambient noise. All accessible with a single tap, without having to open additional apps.
Meanwhile, Freeform takes a leap forward for those who use it as a creative tool. In iOS 26.4 beta 1, The app includes Creator Studio, a subscription-based professional resource center. which includes graphics, photographs, illustrations, and AI tools to generate and edit images directly within the canvas.
This approach makes Freeform a more serious option for designers, content teams, and advanced users who want to prototype visual ideas. without leaving the Apple environmentAlong with these features, the app debuts a revamped icon and slight tweaks to the interface.
A look at the interface changes and the App Store
The update also refines some design elements scattered throughout the system. One of the most visible affects the App Store, where the search bar moves to the top of the screen and it integrates better with the overall navigation, seeking a clearer experience when exploring applications.
In addition, they are appreciated Settings in the profile section of apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and Apple TVwhich now offer more consistent access to purchases, subscriptions, and account settings. Apple is consolidating information that was previously scattered across different menus.
The screen for setting a The new unlock code has also been streamlined and simplified.With a design that prioritizes readability and reduces distractions, these are minor adjustments, but they reflect the intention to reduce friction in key setup steps.
In Safari for iPadOS, which shares a base with iOS 26.4, it It brings back the compact tab bar option.Designed for those who prefer to make the most of their screen space. Other system app icons, such as Freeform, have been updated to align with the overall aesthetic.
Advanced access point management: know who is using your data
Another practical new feature in iOS 26.4 beta 1 affects those who use the iPhone as a modem. The Settings app debuts a dedicated section with data usage statistics per device connected to the personal access point, something that until now was quite hidden.
If you share your internet connection with an iPad, MacBook, or a friend's laptop, the system allows you to see How many gigabytes has each device consumed exactly?This information appears in Settings > Personal Hotspot, in a new section called “Data Usage”, whenever there have been recent connections.
The feature is especially useful for those who do not have unlimited data plans And they need to monitor every shared gigabyte. Instead of just seeing total usage, they can identify which connected device is using the most bandwidth.
Furthermore, statistics can Easily reset from the mobile data menuThis allows you to adjust the count to the operator's billing cycle or track it weekly. It's a small change in appearance, but it greatly simplifies expense control.
This type of adjustment demonstrates that Apple also pays attention to everyday problems that users have been pointing out for some timeKnowing which device is using up your data allowance when you're sharing your connection is a recurring demand in forums and social networks.
Changes exclusive to the European Union
European regulations continue to dictate the pace in certain areas of the operating system. These regulations return and are further consolidated in iOS 26.4 beta 1. specific functions for the European Union linked to the Digital Markets Act, which had already been seen in previous betas but had not made it to the final version.
One of them is the forwarding notifications to third-party watches and wearablesincluding Android models. The user can choose to send notifications received on the iPhone to a device other than the Apple Watch, although only one device can be configured at a time to prevent duplication.
Also enabled is the proximity pairing for non-Apple accessoriesIn other words, headphones, speakers, and other devices can initiate the connection process simply by bringing them close to the iPhone, replicating the simple experience that until now was practically reserved for Apple's own products like AirPods.
These changes position Europe as a particular testing ground for regulatory obligationsApple adapts iOS to allow more interoperability and options for third parties within the European Union, with features that do not necessarily extend to other markets in parallel.
Compatibility, beta access, and release schedule
Regarding devices, Apple maintains the same approach as with the main version: All models compatible with iOS 26 will be able to update to iOS 26.4This includes everything from recent generations like the iPhone 17 Pro to older models like the iPhone 12 family and even the second and third generation iPhone SE.
For most users, the reasonable thing to do is Wait for the public beta or directly for the stable versionEarly betas may include bugs, higher than normal battery consumption, or errors in third-party apps, so it is recommended to install them only on secondary or test devices.
If the usual schedule is followed, The public beta should be released in a matter of weeks. And the final version of iOS 26.4 would reach all users during the spring, probably between the end of March and the first weeks of April.
With this first beta, Apple is outlining an update that doesn't revolve around a single major feature, but rather a set of changes that all point in the same direction: More security by default, better service integration, AI tools applied to music and creativity, and small tweaks that reduce everyday friction., without altering the visual essence of iOS 26.
