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With iOS 26.4, an iPhone update is imminent that is expected to be significantly more substantial than its immediate predecessor. While iOS 26.3 is considered a minor maintenance update, iOS 26.4 is shaping up to be a clear leap in functionality. Apple is expected to make noticeable improvements, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, system integration, and everyday features.
Apple is currently awaiting the release candidate of iOS 26.3. Only after that can the first beta of iOS 26.4 be expected, likely in a few weeks at the earliest. Following the usual testing phase, the final version of iOS 26.4 should be released to all users in March or April.
However, there are already numerous confirmed hints, leaks, and official statements that paint a fairly clear picture of the planned innovations. Some of the features were originally intended for an earlier release and were apparently deliberately postponed to this update.
iOS 26.4 brings a significantly more personalized Siri
The most important feature of iOS 26.4 is the new, personalized version of Siri. Apple announced earlier this year, together with Google, that Google Gemini would be used in the further development of Siri. The goal is a voice assistant that not only executes commands but also understands context. The new Siri is intended to:
- better understand the personal context
- Linking information from different apps
- Recognize content on the screen
- offer deeper control options within individual apps
At WWDC 2024, it was demonstrated how Siri can answer questions about flight times and reservations based on emails and messages. Siri doesn't rely on a single app, but combines multiple data sources.
Some of these features are slated to launch with iOS 26.4, while others will be added later. According to internal plans, some particularly comprehensive Siri features are even scheduled for iOS 27. These include a fully-fledged Siri chatbot, designed to allow for longer, dialogue-like conversations – similar to ChatGPT.
New emojis in iOS 26.4
iOS 26.4 also includes visual enhancements. The Unicode Consortium has already announced new emojis that will be added to iPhones with this update. A total of nine new emojis are planned:
- Trombone
- Treasure chest
- Distorted face
- Hairy creature (Bigfoot or Sasquatch)
- Battle Cloud
- apple core
- Orca
- ballet dancer
- Landslide
The timing for new emojis is now quite predictable. In recent years, Apple has regularly released new emoji packs with the .4 versions of iOS, such as iOS 15.4, iOS 16.4, iOS 17.4, and most recently iOS 18.4. iOS 26.4 fits seamlessly into this pattern.
Other features and known leaks
In addition to Siri and emojis, iOS 26.4 includes a number of other new features designed primarily to make everyday life easier:
- Credit card information stored in the passwords app can now be automatically filled in third-party apps.
- The Freeform app uses folders to organize content in a more structured way.
- Apple is apparently working on a new sports offering for the Apple TV app, although no details about its scope or content are known yet.
- A new validation system checks the integrity of the device before logging into an Apple ID or iCloud. The goal is apparently to increase security.
- A feature called "Precise Outdoor Location" is planned for AirPods in the Find My app, which will allow lost devices to be located more accurately outdoors.
As is common with larger iOS versions, it can be assumed that additional features will be added before the final release, which have not yet been publicly documented.
iOS 26.4 as the basis for upcoming iPhone features
iOS 26.4 is already shaping up to be one of the most important iPhone updates in recent times. The focus is clearly on a smarter, more personalized Siri, complemented by new emojis and numerous functional system improvements.
Even though not all new features will be available immediately, iOS 26.4 lays the foundation for major developments that Apple plans to expand upon in the coming years. Compared to iOS 26.3, this update is significantly more comprehensive and should bring noticeable changes to everyday life for many users. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Shutterstock / KaterynaSypailova)
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