Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, just days after rolling out iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to the public. The new beta builds are currently available to registered developers through the Software Update section of the Settings app, with a public beta likely to follow in the coming weeks.
As with most early beta cycles, the initial iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 builds introduce a mix of feature additions, interface tweaks, and under-the-hood testing. Not all features included in the first beta are guaranteed to appear in the final public release.
One of the more notable additions is expanded video podcast support within the Apple Podcasts app. The update introduces advanced video playback powered by HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), allowing users to switch between audio and video within the same podcast experience. For creators, the update enables support for dynamic video ads and broader distribution through participating hosting providers. The feature is currently in testing across iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4.
Apple is also beginning to test secure cross-platform messaging improvements between iOS and Android devices. While details remain limited, the inclusion of these changes in iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 suggests continued work toward strengthening encryption and interoperability standards across platforms.
In iPadOS 26.4, Apple has reintroduced the compact Safari tab bar option, a layout some users preferred for its denser, less visually dominant design. The same compact tab option appears in macOS Tahoe 26.4, reflecting Apple’s ongoing adjustments to Safari’s interface following earlier redesign feedback.
Security updates are also part of this beta cycle. With iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default for all users. The feature adds additional authentication layers when sensitive account changes are attempted, particularly if the device is away from familiar locations. Making it a default setting signals a stronger emphasis on theft deterrence and account protection.
Apple Music gains two additions in the iOS 26.4 beta. A new Playlist Playground feature allows users to generate playlists using text prompts, signaling continued experimentation with AI-assisted music curation. Another addition, Concerts Near You, surfaces nearby live shows and tour dates for artists users follow, integrating event discovery more directly into the app.
Elsewhere, smaller refinements appear across the system. Messages includes updated animations for actions such as starting new conversations. A unified Apple Account hub replaces the older profile interface, centralizing account management. A new Ambient Music widget for the Home Screen and Lock Screen offers built-in soundscapes for sleep, productivity, and general wellbeing.
The Wallpaper Gallery has received a visual redesign, making it easier to browse and download wallpapers across categories such as Weather, Astronomy, and Emoji. The Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app mirrors this updated layout. The Reminders app now includes an “Urgent” section for prioritizing time-sensitive tasks. Freeform Creator Studio subscribers gain access to additional tools within the Freeform app.
As with any developer beta, Apple advises against installing iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4 on primary devices due to potential instability, app compatibility issues, and battery performance fluctuations. The software remains in testing, and features may change or be removed before the public release.
