The next Apple iOS 26.4 update is just around the corner, and the company is releasing new beta versions regularly. The iOS 26.4 update will be released by the end of this month. With Apple constantly releasing new features in beta versions, it will be worth seeing which updates get the final nod in the upcoming update.
The iOS 26.4 update will also be launched with the iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air, making them the first devices to officially receive the update.
Here is what it means if you own an Apple device and what new features are coming.
Everything new in the iOS 26.4 update
Here are the new features added in the new beta update released today by Apple:
- New Emojis
Apple has added multiple new emojis in the 26.4 beta, including a treasure chest, a distorted face, a hairy creature, a trombone, an orca, a fight cloud, and a landslide.
However, not all of these emojis may be included in the iOS 26.4 update, and only 3-4 are expected to receive final approval.
- Playlist Playground
Apple Music is going through an overhaul with features to add prompts and start from scratch while building your playlist. You can choose to customize the Playlist as and when you want, adding or removing songs on the go. With the prompts to add music from a particular genre, it’s a great feature to find hidden gems.
- Apple Podcasts Upgraded
With the Apple Podcasts application lying dormant without any significant changes over the last few months, Apple seems to be finally paying attention. Apple has officially announced a major revamp to the application and said:
“In the Apple Podcasts app, users will be able to switch seamlessly between watching and listening to shows, making the experience of discovering and viewing video podcasts as simple and enjoyable as listening to audio podcasts has always been.”
In short, the video mode of the Podcasts is the one major feature receiving the biggest update, and fans couldn’t have asked for more.
- Accessibility
iOS 26.4 update will have a different accessibility for the ‘Reduce Highlighting Effects’ option, which is now being replaced by the ‘Reduce Bright Effects’ option. This will minimize highlighting and flashing while using different onscreen elements.
Apple aims to further solidify its position as one of the best smartphone makers out there with constant iOS updates. It will, however, become much clearer if Apple is successful in landing its punch with this update once it is released.
