Apple’s iOS 26.4 arrives in public beta with AI music playlists, video podcasts, and more

Apple’s iOS 26.4 arrives in public beta with AI music playlists, video podcasts, and more

Apple this week launched the latest version of its cell working system, iOS 26.4, which introduces a number of new options, including an AI-powered playlist-generation feature in Apple Music, help for video content in the Podcasts app, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, and more. 

The update is at the moment accessible in pubic beta, with the public release anticipated someday in March or April. 

Apple Music’s AI playlist

One of the most noticeable enhancements arrives in Apple Music — iOS 26.4 introduces a new AI-powered “Playlist Playground” feature that leverages Apple Intelligence. The feature permits customers to generate a customized 25-song playlist from a textual content immediate, such as “upbeat workout mix” or “calm evening.” Users can then additional refine the outcomes and even choose matching cowl artwork. 

Image Credits:Apple (screenshot)

In addition, Apple Music’s consumer interface has been refreshed to showcase full-screen art work for albums and playlists.

Concerts Near You

Plus, Apple Music is getting a new “Concerts Near You” part that helps customers uncover live reveals from their favourite artists. You can filter this part by Date and Genre, or change places if you happen to’re touring.

Image Credits:Apple (screenshot)

Apple Podcasts video episodes

Following Spotify’s push into video, Apple’s Podcasts app is making it simple to change again and forth between audio and video episodes with this release. Creators can publish video podcasts utilizing HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), and listeners can seamlessly change between audio and video playback within the same episode, transferring to a full horizontal show in the event that they select.

Image Credits:Apple

At launch, the video episodes can be built-in with other Apple Podcasts options, like personalised suggestions and editorial curation on the New tab and Category pages, just as audio podcasts are.

HLS also brings an computerized high quality adjustment feature, which helps movies play better whether or not listeners are on Wi-Fi or mobile. Plus, customers will have the ability to obtain video episodes for offline viewing. At launch, HLS is supported by Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Triton’s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM, including SiriusXM Media, AdvertsWizz, and Simplecast.

Image Credits:Apple

Creators will have the ability to dynamically insert video adverts, including host-read spots, into their podcasts, too. Apple doesn’t cost creators to distribute podcasts, however it says that, beginning later this 12 months, taking part advert networks should pay an impression-based price for the supply of the dynamic adverts in the HLS movies.

Encrypted RCS messaging

Messaging is also receiving an important upgrade with encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS), which begins testing in iOS 26.4. End-to-end encryption for RCS conversations will in the future assist guarantee messages between iPhone customers and Android customers are just as safe as iMessage.

Currently, Apple is only testing this between iPhones in beta. These conversations can be labeled as encrypted and can’t be read while despatched between devices. The company notes that the feature can be launched publicly in a later software update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, and the beta isn’t accessible for all devices and carriers.

Stolen Device Detection is on by default

Security enhancements are another highlight of iOS 26.4. Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default, including an additional layer of biometric authentication for delicate actions such as accessing saved passwords or guaranteeing account modifications. By requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication in more situations, Apple reduces the threat of unauthorized entry if a device is stolen and the passcode is compromised.

Image Credits:Apple

CarPlay provides in-car video playback

Drivers utilizing Apple CarPlay will also discover modifications. CarPlay now helps in-car video playback for choose apps — including the Apple TV app —however only when the automobile is parked to make sure security. This enhancement introduces new leisure choices for passengers after they’re stopped or while ready in the automotive for a time period. (Hooray for folks in the pickup line at college!)

Third-party AI companies come to CarPlay

CarPlay for the first time will supply entry to third-party AI companies like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude.

Audio Zoom in Camera app

Image Credits:iPhone screenshot/TechCrunch

Meanwhile, the Camera app introduces Audio Zoom. When recording video, the microphone focuses on the topic as you zoom in, decreasing background noise and enhancing readability. This feature makes it simpler to seize speeches, performances, or interviews without exterior audio gear.

Image Credits:Apple (screenshot)

Additionally, the Ambient Music feature is now accessible by a widget, letting customers immediately play soundscapes designed for focus, sleep, or leisure immediately from the Home Screen, instead of just the Control Center as before. The feature, first launched in iOS 18.4, added quite a lot of ambient sounds to stream across classes like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.

“Urgent” reminders

There’s also a new “Urgent” part in the Reminders app that teams high-priority duties and can set off more outstanding alerts when deadlines method. Setting a reminder as Urgent will add an alarm so that you’re positive to not miss the event.

Image Credits:iPhone screenshot/TechCrunch

And more …

A few other smaller options embody the following:

Notably absent from this release is a next-generation Siri experience. While Apple has signaled deeper AI ambitions for its voice assistant, those bigger modifications don’t seem in iOS 26.4, reportedly delayed as soon as again.

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