Summary created by Smart Answers AI
In summary:
- Macworld reports that the iOS 26.4 beta has launched without the expected new Siri, instead focusing on security and messaging improvements.
- Key updates include default device theft protection, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages to Android phones, and an improved video podcast experience.
- The update is expected to be released in late March or April and will bring significant changes to iPhone security and cross-platform messaging.
After Apple released iOS 26.3 last week, we waited with bated breath for the first iOS 26.4 beta. That’s because for the better part of a year, rumors have pointed to this update as the one to bring an improved Siri, expected from 2024. However, after last week’s rumor dampened those expectations considerably, it looks like iOS 26.4 will be another minor update as Apple continues to polish Siri.
iOS 26.4 beta: New features
We won’t know all the new features and changes to expect in iOS 26.4 until the final version is released to users sometime in late March or Aoril. We will update this section with new features as we discover them.
New video podcasts: Apple announced that iOS 26.4 will enable HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology in the Podcast app to “seamlessly switch between watching and listening to shows.”
End-to-end RCS encryption: It took about a year, but Apple is finally encrypting RCS messages to and from Android phones in iOS 26.4.
Protection against stolen device: The feature introduced in iOS 17.3 will now be enabled by default starting with iOS 26.4.
Free form: Apple’s Whiteboarding app has received a Creator Studio update with new features and a new icon.
iOS 26.4 beta: How to install the public beta
If you want to test iOS 26 betas but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:
- Click the Sign Up button on the Apple Beta page and sign up with your Apple ID.
- Sign up for the beta software program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device.
- Open the Settings app, tap General, then tap Software Update.
- Under Beta Updates, select the iOS public beta.
After registration, it may take some time for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
iOS 26.4 beta: How to install developer beta
You will need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get it through Xcode or the Apple Developer app on iOS. Here’s how to do it through the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
- Open the application.
- Tap Account.
- Sign in with your usual Apple ID.
Find out everything you need to know about iOS 26 in our iOS 26 Super Guide.