Apple’s iOS 26.4 Arrives In Public Beta With AI Music Playlists, Video Podcasts, And More

iOS 26.4 Public Beta Release Date and Availability

Wondering when iOS 26.4 arrives on your iPhone? Apple has officially launched the iOS 26.4 public beta, giving everyday users early access to test its newest features ahead of the stable release. The update is available now for enrolled beta testers, with the full public rollout expected in March or April 2026. This version introduces meaningful upgrades to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Messages—centered around smarter AI integration and stronger privacy. If you rely on your iPhone for daily media, communication, or creativity, these changes could significantly reshape your experience. Here is everything you need to know before deciding whether to install the beta or wait for the official launch.

Credit: Apple

AI-Powered Playlist Playground Transforms Apple Music

Apple Music just got a major intelligence upgrade with iOS 26.4. The new Playlist Playground feature uses Apple Intelligence to generate custom 25-song playlists based entirely on your text prompts. Simply type a mood, activity, or vibe—like "focus-friendly lo-fi beats" or "road trip anthems from the 2000s"—and the system curates a tailored selection in seconds. This goes beyond basic genre filtering; the AI analyzes listening history, tempo, lyrical themes, and even time-of-day preferences to refine results. Early testing shows impressive accuracy, especially for nuanced requests that blend multiple styles. For subscribers, this turns playlist creation from a manual chore into a collaborative, creative session with your device.

How to Create Custom Playlists with Apple Intelligence

Getting started with Playlist Playground is intentionally simple. Open Apple Music on a device running iOS 26.4, tap the new "Create with AI" button, and describe your ideal playlist in natural language. You can adjust parameters like energy level, era, or instrumentation after the initial generation. The interface also lets you swap individual tracks, save multiple versions, and even choose AI-suggested cover art that matches the playlist's mood. Importantly, Apple emphasizes that all processing happens on-device or via private cloud compute, ensuring your listening habits stay personal. This balance of powerful customization and privacy-first design reflects Apple's broader approach to generative features in iOS 26.4.

Video Podcasts Finally Come to Apple's Podcasts App

Audio-only episodes no longer dominate the Podcasts app experience. With iOS 26.4, Apple officially supports video podcasts, allowing creators to publish visual content that plays seamlessly within the same interface listeners already know. Users can toggle between audio and video modes, download episodes for offline viewing, and enjoy picture-in-picture playback while multitasking. The update also improves episode discovery with visual thumbnails and a dedicated "Video" filter in search results. For podcasters, this removes a long-standing platform limitation and aligns Apple's app with industry trends toward multimedia storytelling. The transition feels native, not tacked on—a sign of thoughtful integration rather than reactive feature addition.

RCS Messages Get End-to-End Encryption in iOS 26.4

Cross-platform messaging takes a significant privacy leap forward in iOS 26.4. Apple has implemented end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, securing texts, photos, and files shared between iPhone and Android users. This upgrade builds on last year's RCS adoption, now ensuring that sensitive conversations remain private even when contacting non-Apple devices. The encryption works automatically when both parties use RCS-capable phones and carriers, with no extra setup required. A small lock icon appears next to encrypted RCS threads, providing clear visual confirmation. This move addresses a major consumer concern and brings Apple closer to parity with other encrypted messaging standards—without compromising the simplicity users expect.

Refreshed Apple Music Interface Enhances Visual Experience

Beyond AI features, iOS 26.4 delivers a visual refresh to Apple Music that prioritizes artwork and immersion. Albums and playlists now display in full-screen mode, with dynamic backgrounds that adapt to cover art colors. Navigation feels more fluid, with larger touch targets and simplified menu hierarchies designed for one-handed use. The "Now Playing" screen integrates lyrics, artist bios, and related content more cohesively, reducing the need to jump between tabs. These refinements may seem subtle, but they collectively reduce friction during everyday listening. For a service used by millions daily, such polish matters—it signals Apple's commitment to evolving the experience, not just adding features.

Should You Install the iOS 26.4 Public Beta Now?

Deciding whether to join the iOS 26.4 public beta depends on your tolerance for occasional instability versus your eagerness to test new tools. Beta software can include bugs, battery drain, or app compatibility issues, so it is best installed on a secondary device if possible. However, if you regularly provide feedback to Apple or rely on cutting-edge features for content creation, the early access could be valuable. Key functions like Playlist Playground and video podcasts are already stable in testing, according to initial reports. Remember, you can always revert to the stable iOS version before the public launch if needed. Weigh your priorities: innovation now, or reliability first?

What to Expect When iOS 26.4 Launches Publicly

When iOS 26.4 exits beta this spring, all users will gain access to its headline features without the need for special enrollment. The final release will likely include minor refinements based on beta tester feedback, such as performance tweaks or accessibility improvements. Apple typically synchronizes major iOS updates with new hardware or seasonal campaigns, so a March or April launch aligns with historical patterns. Once live, the update will be available via Settings > General > Software Update on compatible iPhones. For those who waited, the stable version offers the same AI-powered creativity, enhanced privacy, and multimedia support—just with the peace of mind that comes from a fully vetted release. Mark your calendars: the future of your iPhone experience is just weeks away.