Apple has pushed the iPadOS 26.4 beta cycle forward again. Just a day after beta 2 reached developers, the same second beta is now rolling out to people enrolled in the public beta program, giving iPad users another early look at what is shaping up to be a feature-packed spring update.
The new build number is 23E5218e. If you already run the iPadOS 26.4 beta, you should see the update in Software Update as it rolls out.
iPadOS 26.4 itself has already added a long list of changes in the first beta, including Apple Music updates, Safari’s compact tab option returning, a refreshed wallpaper gallery, a new Urgent smart list in Reminders, an Ambient Music widget, upgraded video features in Podcasts, and new tools tied to Creator Studio in Freeform.
How to update to iPadOS 26.4 beta 2
- Back up your iPad (iCloud or a computer). Betas can still break apps or battery life.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Tap Beta Updates and choose iPadOS Public Beta (or the developer beta option if you use that track).
- Go back, then tap Download and Install.
If you do not see “Beta Updates,” sign in with the Apple ID you use for the beta program, then check Software Update again.
Changes in beta 2
Apple has not billed beta 2 as a giant feature drop for iPad. Expect a refinement build, with fixes and small adjustments as the 26.4 release gets closer.
That said, a few changes have been spotted in the second beta across the 26.4 cycle that can matter on iPad too:
- Messages security testing expands for RCS encryption in the 26.4 beta line, aiming to improve how secure RCS chats behave during testing.
- Small interface tweaks continue, including more transparency in parts of the Home Screen editing UI in the beta line.
- A new Accessibility toggle appears under Display and Text Size: “Reduce Highlighting Effects.”
- Build number visibility improves: when updating, you can tap the software name to see the build number more easily.
One note for emoji fans: beta 1 code hinted at new emoji later in the 26.4 cycle, but they have not shown up yet.
If you installed iPadOS 26.4 beta 2, share what you are seeing, especially any iPad-specific changes, bugs, or battery improvements. Let us know in the comments.
