Apple today released the second beta versions of the upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates to developers for testing, with the software coming a week after Apple deployed the first beta versions.
Registered developers can download beta versions from the Settings app on their iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and choosing Software Update.
iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 add several new features to the iPhone and iPad, but the first beta didn’t include any signs of new Siri features.
Apple Music’s Playlist Playground feature lets you create songs for any idea, mood, emotion, or activity with a text prompt. There’s also a Concerts Near You feature for finding local shows, and a redesigned look for albums and playlists with full-page graphics.
Apple Podcasts is getting native video podcast features to make it easier to create, distribute, and monetize video podcast content through the Podcasts app. Video episodes will be integrated with existing Apple Podcasts features, such as personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions.
Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS, which will eventually bring full encryption of text conversations between Android and iPhone users. Right now, Apple is testing RCS with iPhone-to-iPhone conversations.
The first beta didn’t include the new emotes, but we saw signs of them in the code, so we might get them in the second beta. The new update is also expected to include new emotes including a trombone, treasure chest, killer whale, landslide and Bigfoot.
Stolen device protection is enabled by default, there’s a new ambient music widget, new bedtime average metrics in the sleep app, and more. You can find all the features in iOS 26.4 in our iOS 26.4 beta features guide.