iOS 26.3 was a decidedly small update. It launched a brand new instrument to switch information to Android, and gave some iPhones the power to cover exact location information from mobile networks. However past another small adjustments and safety patches, that is all there was to write down dwelling about. iOS 26.4 is a unique story. The replace, which is presently in beta testing, provides various fascinating new options to suitable iPhones, particularly for those who’re an Apple Music person.
As with all beta software program, iOS 26.4 is presently in testing, which implies these options are topic to alter at any time. It is attainable some will not make it to the official launch of iOS 26.4, whereas others might look completely different than they do now. Whilst you can set up the iOS 26.4 beta at any time by enrolling your device in the beta program, accomplish that at your personal discretion. I might suggest utilizing a secondary system to check this software program for those who can, however both manner, make sure the device in question is fully backed up to a computer earlier than putting in the beta.
Playlist Playground permits you to generate playlists with AI
The newest development in streaming providers appears to be AI-generated playlists. YouTube Music recently rolled out the option, whereas Spotify gives a couple completely different takes on the function. The thought is to inform the AI what sort of music you wish to take heed to, whether or not that be a selected artist or style, or only a idea or temper (e.g., “Make me a playlist for consuming espresso on a lazy Sunday morning”).
Now Apple Music is the newest service to introduce such a function. The primary iOS 26.4 beta comes with “Playlist Playground,” which works about the way you’d count on. You inform Apple Music’s AI what you wish to hear, and it generates a playlist with 25 completely different songs. You’ll be able to alter the playlist for those who do not just like the consequence, in addition to edit the title, cowl picture, and outline.
Apple Music will get a visible overhaul
Along with Playlist Playground, Apple Music’s UI can be altering in iOS 26.4. You will see new full-page paintings when listening to music, in addition to redesigned albums and playlists that alter their colours primarily based on the paintings. Plus, there’s now a “Live shows Close to You” function that helps you discover exhibits in your space, primarily based on the music you wish to take heed to.
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iOS 26.4 lastly introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS
RCS support is the most effective factor to occur to the iPhone in a very long time. It makes texting Android customers about the identical as texting iPhone customers, which has not been the case for many of iMessage’s historical past. However whereas many of the customary perks rolled in with the replace, together with functioning group chats and high-quality picture sharing, one key function didn’t: end-to-end encryption (E2EE).
With out (E2EE), your messages might be intercepted and browse by these with the talents to take action. With E2EE, they can not. It is a main safety function that is key to each iMessage and RCS, and one of many causes you should not ship messages over SMS, because it does not help E2EE. Not all Android setups help E2EE over RCS, but it surely’s nonetheless a bummer that the iPhone’s Messages app does not both.
What do you suppose to this point?
That is now altering. With the primary iOS 26.4 beta, Apple is now testing E2EE for RCS. You will discover the choice in Settings, although Apple notes that not all gadgets or carriers help it. Sometime quickly, nonetheless, iPhone customers texting Android customers over RCS will have the ability to benefit from the added safety advantages of E2EE.
Apple modified the way you select wallpaper packs on iPhone
With iOS 26.4, Apple modified the Wallpapers settings menu. Earlier than, you possibly can choose from pre-downloaded wallpaper packs in your iPhone; now, you’ll be able to select which packs you wish to obtain as a substitute. It is a small change, however an fascinating one at that. It appears Apple does not wish to assume you are concerned with all of its wallpaper choices anymore, and as a substitute would quite choose and select those you wish to strive. Apple additionally made comparable adjustments to selecting watch faces within the Apple Watch app.
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Your iPhone’s Reminders now has an “Pressing” part
In case you ever label reminders as “pressing” in your iPhone, you will discover them in a brand new location. Now, while you open Reminders, you’l discover an Pressing part, alongside different choices like At this time, All, and Scheduled.
macOS 26.4 introduces a Cost Restrict function on Mac
Whereas this is not an iOS function, it’s a key new change within the first macOS 26.4 beta. Apple is now testing a “charge limit” feature on Mac, much like the charge limit feature that already exists on iOS; when your system is plugged in for an extended time period, it should restrict how a lot the battery can cost to. You’ll be able to set the cap as little as 80%, or as excessive as 100%. The thought is, by limiting the cost degree, you cut back how usually the battery completes a full cost cycle, which might delay its lifespan and delay growing old. The “youthful” your battery is, the longer it’s going to final between costs, so fanatics like to make use of these options to maximise how a lot battery life they’ll get out of their gadgets.
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