Apple’s latest developer beta, iOS 26.4 (build 23E5207q), released February 16, 2026, introduces quality-of-life improvements across Apple Music, security enhancements, and messaging upgrades. Here’s what developers have uncovered in testing.
AI-Powered Playlist Creation
The standout feature is Playlist Playground in Apple Music, which uses Apple Intelligence to generate 25-song playlists from text prompts. Open Apple Music, tap the + button to create a new playlist, and select “Playlist Playground.” Type requests like “upbeat workout songs” or “rainy day jazz” to generate instant playlists.
The feature includes preset prompts (“morning coffee music,” “hip-hop party songs,” “disco songs that defined the 1970s”) and allows iterative refinement—you can add follow-up requests to adjust the playlist without starting over. After generation, manually add/remove songs, reorder tracks, customize cover artwork, and write descriptions before saving to your library.
Technical note: Playlist Playground requires Apple Intelligence models to download first. If unavailable after updating, check Settings → Apple Intelligence & Siri to verify download completion. Currently limited to U.S. region Apple accounts.
Multi-Playlist Song Management
Apple Music now allows adding individual songs to multiple playlists simultaneously. Long-press any track, tap “Add to a Playlist…,” then tap the list icon in the upper-right corner. This reveals checkboxes next to each playlist — select multiple destinations and confirm. Previously, this required adding the song to each playlist individually.
Concert Discovery Integration
Artist profile pages display an “Upcoming Concerts” section showing local shows and tour dates. Tap any concert for venue details, start times, and direct ticket purchase links. This integrates Apple Music with live event discovery without leaving the app.
Full-Page Album Artwork
Albums and playlists now feature immersive full-screen artwork that extends the cover art’s dominant colors across the entire interface. If an album cover uses blue tones, the background adopts complementary blue shades. This applies to track lists and playback screens for a more cohesive visual experience.
Stolen Device Protection Now Default
Previously opt-in, Stolen Device Protection activates automatically in iOS 26.4. When your iPhone is away from trusted locations (home/work), accessing sensitive areas — Passwords, Find My, Safari autofill, Apple Card — requires Face ID or Touch ID. Certain actions add a one-hour security delay requiring second biometric confirmation.
To adjust: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Stolen Device Protection. The feature aims to protect data even if a thief knows your device passcode.
Encrypted RCS Messaging Testing
Apple is piloting end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages in collaboration with the GSM Association. Currently, iPhone-to-iPhone RCS conversations can test E2EE, with cross-platform Android support arriving in later iOS 26 updates. Encrypted messages display a lock icon in conversation threads.
Technical limitation: E2EE testing requires select carriers and compatible devices. The feature won’t fully launch until a future iOS 26 release. iMessage already provides E2EE; this extends protection to RCS cross-platform messaging.
Video Podcast Support
Apple Podcasts adds video episode capabilities using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. Switch between watching and listening modes seamlessly, download videos for offline viewing, and experience adaptive quality based on network conditions — HLS automatically adjusts from Wi-Fi to cellular without interruption.
Video episodes integrate with existing podcast features: personalized recommendations appear in New and Category sections, and creators gain monetization options through dynamic video ad support.
Urgent Reminders Smart List
Building on iOS 26.2’s urgent task designation, Reminders now includes a dedicated Smart List for urgent items. When you mark a task as urgent, the system automatically sets an alarm and groups it in the new list for centralized tracking. Access via the Smart Lists section in Reminders.
Redesigned Wallpaper Gallery
The Wallpaper Gallery separates categories more clearly with a cleaner interface. You can now download entire wallpaper categories directly to your iPhone rather than selecting individual images. Navigation is faster and categories are visually distinct, similar to the watchOS 26 watch face gallery redesign.
Face ID Interface Adjustment
In Settings → Face ID & Passcode, passcode entry text now displays center-aligned instead of left-aligned. While minor, this reflects iOS 26’s broader interface consistency improvements.
AdditionalEnhancements
Ambient Music Widget: Add a Home Screen widget for quick access to Apple Music’s Ambient playlists (introduced in iOS 18.4’s Control Center).
Shortcuts Battery Action: A new “Set Charge Limit” action lets you create automations that adjust iPhone charging limits based on triggers.
Hotspot Data Display: Personal Hotspot now shows data usage metrics directly in its settings section rather than under Cellular.
App Store Search Bar: The search bar returns to the top of the Search tab, with the tab itself integrated into bottom navigation instead of floating separately.
CarPlay Video Streaming: Code suggests upcoming support for streaming video on CarPlay while parked, announced at WWDC 2025 but not yet active in beta 1.
Availability and Timeline
iOS 26.4 beta 1 is available to registered developers. A public beta is expected within 2-3 weeks. Developers can provide feedback through the Apple Developer forums. Public release is projected for late March to early April 2026.
Compatible with iPhone 11 and newer. Apple Intelligence features (Playlist Playground, enhanced Siri capabilities) require iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Non-developers can join the Apple Beta Software Program once public beta releases.
Important: Beta software may contain bugs. Back up your device before installing. Some features remain in testing and may change before public release. Apple’s Face ID technology documentation provides security details for features like Stolen Device Protection.
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