Apple has released iPadOS 26.4 for all compatible iPads. The update is rolling out now through Software Update, and it brings a mix of new Apple Music features, fresh emoji, app improvements, and a few useful quality-of-life changes across the system.
One of the biggest highlights is Apple Music, which gets Playlist Playground for AI playlist creation, a redesigned full-screen look for albums and playlists, and concert discovery tools. Apple Podcasts also adds better video podcast support, while Safari, Reminders, the TV app, and Freeform pick up smaller but welcome upgrades.
If you use your iPad for multitasking, iPadOS 26.4 also adds a new Hidden Windows popup to help you keep track of open windows. Apple has also added two new Ambient Music widgets for the Home Screen and updated the wallpaper gallery.
How to update to iPadOS 26.4
Follow these quick steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- Wait for iPadOS 26.4 to appear
- Tap Download and Install
- Keep your iPad connected to Wi-Fi and power until the update finishes
Apple is rolling out the update now, so it may take a little time to appear for every user.
All the Changes
Here are the key features and updates in iPadOS 26.4:
- Apple Music gets Playlist Playground
You can create playlists with AI by typing a prompt. The feature can generate a playlist, title, description, and tracklist based on your request. - Redesigned Apple Music album and playlist pages
Albums and playlists now use a more immersive full-screen design that better matches album art. - Concert discovery in Apple Music
Apple Music can now help you find nearby shows from artists you listen to, along with recommendations for new artists. - Eight new emoji
iPadOS 26.4 adds eight new emoji, including Ballet Dancer, Distorted Face, Fight Cloud, Hairy Creature or Bigfoot, Landslide, Orca, Trombone, and Treasure Chest. Different outlets describe one of them differently, but the total count is eight. - Better multitasking help with Hidden Windows
A new Hidden Windows popup makes it easier to find open windows when you work with several apps at once. - New Ambient Music widgets
Two new Home Screen widgets give you faster access to ambient music playback. - Apple Podcasts video improvements
The Podcasts app now offers an enhanced video experience, including easier switching between audio and video playback. - Safari gets a compact tab bar option
Safari now lets you use a compact tab bar on iPad. - Reminders adds an Urgent smart list
This should make it easier to spot tasks that need quick attention. - TV app subtitle controls are easier to use
Apple has made subtitle settings easier to find, preview, and customize during playback. - Freeform gets new updates
Freeform also picks up new features in this release. - Wallpaper gallery refresh
Apple has updated the wallpaper gallery in iPadOS 26.4.
iPadOS 26.4 is not a huge redesign, but it adds enough useful changes to make the update worth installing, especially if you use Apple Music, multitask often, or want the latest app improvements on your iPad.
Let us know in the comments which iPadOS 26.4 feature you like the most.
