iOS 26.4 is now in public beta ahead of a March/April release. Key additions include an AI-powered 'Playlist Playground' in Apple Music that generates 25-song playlists from text prompts, video podcast support in the Podcasts app via HLS streaming, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages (currently iPhone-to-iPhone only in beta), and Stolen Device Protection enabled by default. CarPlay gains in-car video playback and access to third-party AI assistants like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Smaller updates include Audio Zoom in the Camera app, an Urgent section in Reminders, an Ambient Music widget, and various Health app improvements. A revamped Siri experience remains absent, reportedly delayed again.
Table of contents
Apple Music’s AI playlistConcerts Near YouApple Podcasts video episodesEncrypted RCS messagingStolen Device Detection is on by defaultCarPlay adds in-car video playbackThird-party AI services come to CarPlayAudio Zoom in Camera appAmbient Music widget“Urgent” RemindersAnd More…327 Impressions