Testing of the iOS 26.4 update continues, and Apple released the second beta version today. The main new feature is the expansion of RCS encryption testing, but there are a few other small improvements.
End-to-End encryption RCS testing
With the second beta of iOS 26.4, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for text messages sent between iPhones and Android devices.
Messages with end-to-end encryption can now be sent to Android users, and if encryption is enabled, the message will have a lock icon. Encrypted chats are not available for all devices or carriers during messaging periods. iOS users will need iOS 26.4 and Android users need the latest version of Google Messages.
Apple does not plan to implement end-to-end RCS encryption in iOS 26.4, but it will come later this year.
Home screen
The “Edit” menu on the home screen uses a more transparent liquid glass.
Application Games
In the Games app, the search bar has moved from the bottom of the display to the top of the display.
App Store and Apple Music
In the Account Center options for the App Store and Apple Music, the “Apple Account” text is now left-aligned and has the same rainbow logo as the Apple Account in the Settings app.
Accessibility
There is a new “Reduce highlight effects” option under Ease of display and text size.
Beta update
Apple made a change to how betas work in iOS 26.4. If you have betas turned on but don’t install any betas for four months, Apple will automatically switch you to the public audience.
No Emojis
There are still no new emoji characters, although signs of them were found in the code in the first iOS 26.4 beta.
Playground Playground
Playlist Playground is still limited to the US and is not available in Europe and other countries.
More new features
We have a list of all the new features found in the first beta in our iOS 26.4 Features Guide.