Apple has seeded the first iOS 26.4 Release Candidate to testers, which usually means the public release is getting close unless Apple finds a last-minute bug. This update brings a fresh batch of changes, including new Apple Music features, new emoji, and more security-focused tweaks across the system.
How to update
Updating to iOS 26.4 Release Candidate is simple if your iPhone is already enrolled in Appleâs beta program.
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- Download and install iOS 26.4 Release Candidate
- Keep your iPhone on Wi-Fi and plugged in if the battery is low
All the Changes
iOS 26.4 looks like a meaningful update instead of a small bug-fix release. One of the biggest areas getting attention is Apple Music, where Apple is testing redesigned album and playlist views along with a new AI-powered Playlist Playground feature that helps users build playlists with prompts.
There are also 8 new emoji characters, which gives iPhone users a few more options for messages and social posts. On top of that, Apple is adding per-device Personal Hotspot data usage reports, which should make it easier to track how much hotspot data each connected device is using.
Other changes in testing include end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, though reports say that feature is still being worked on and is expected to arrive in a future update rather than the first public iOS 26.4 release. Apple is also testing an enhanced video podcast experience, while Stolen Device Detection is now enabled by default in iOS 26.4. Progress is also continuing on CarPlay video support.
Whatâs new in iOS 26.4
- Redesigned Apple Music album and playlist views
- AI-powered Playlist Playground in Apple Music
- Per-device Personal Hotspot data usage reports
- 8 new emoji characters
- End-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in testing
- Enhanced video podcast experience
- Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default
- More progress on CarPlay video support
With the Release Candidate now out, the stable public version of iOS 26.4 should not be far away if no major issues show up. Let us know in the comments if you have already installed iOS 26.4 RC and what changes stand out most to you.
