Apple has released the second developer beta of iOS 26.4. iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 are also available in new beta versions. This marks the next phase of the regular development cycle for the current 26.4 series. The release comes shortly after Beta 1, which already introduced a number of visible new features. Beta 2 now marks the next step on the way to the final version, which is still expected this spring.
As is typical with newly released betas, specific details regarding potential changes are not yet fully available. New features, adjustments, or minor design changes are generally possible. However, at this time, no confirmed information is available regarding specific new features in Beta 2.
The new version is currently being analyzed. A separate and detailed report will follow as soon as specific changes are documented.
Beta 2 continues the development of iOS 26.4
With iOS 26.4 Beta 2, Apple continues its ongoing system maintenance. Experience shows that after a comprehensive first beta, the focus shifts more towards stability, optimization, and fine-tuning.
However, this does not mean that no new features are possible. Minor functional adjustments, design corrections, or background activations are always possible. Confirmed details are not yet available.
Beta 2 is initially available exclusively to registered developers. A public second beta should follow shortly.
A look back at the new features from Beta 1
The first beta of iOS 26.4 already showed a significantly expanded range of functions. This update goes beyond a mere maintenance release and brings structural changes to several system areas.
Key new features from Beta 1 include:
Apple Music and Apple Podcasts
- "Playlist Playground" for AI-based playlist creation based on a text specification
- Subsequent adjustments via additional text description
- Concert integration with local shows and tour dates
- Full-screen design for albums and playlists
- Video podcasts based on HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)
- Offline downloads of video episodes
- Integration of video into existing recommendation and curation systems
Security and communication
- Device theft protection is enabled by default.
- Obligation to use biometric authentication for sensitive actions
- A one-hour security delay applies to particularly critical account changes.
- Test phase for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages
- Encrypted RCS chats are indicated by a lock symbol.
- Step-by-step preparation for cross-platform encryption
System, design and detail improvements
- Newly structured background image gallery with categories such as "Recommended", "Photo Shuffle" and "Spatial Scenes"
- Transparent hotspot data usage per connected device
- New sleep metric "Average Sleep Time" in the Health app
- Return of blood oxygen levels to the central vital data graph
- New Ambient Music Widget
- New "Urgent" section in Memories
- Redesigned Apple account hub in multiple apps
- App Store adjustments
- New iCloud web options
- EU-specific features for third-party wearables
In addition, there are numerous smaller changes such as audio zoom in the camera, the ability to add songs to multiple playlists simultaneously, a new shortcut action for limiting loading, and enhanced live captions.
The parallel system versions also brought relevant adjustments – including the return of the compact Safari tab bar in macOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, a manual charging limit for Mac batteries, the integration of NVIDIA CloudXR in visionOS 26.4, and the removal of the iTunes apps in tvOS 26.4.
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iOS 26.4 is approaching its next milestone
With Beta 2, Apple continues its usual development process. Experience shows that the number of major, visible new features decreases as a beta phase progresses. The focus increasingly shifts to stability and system integration before a release candidate and subsequently the final version are released.
Specific changes in iOS 26.4 Beta 2 will be covered separately and in detail once they are confirmed. Until then, the second beta primarily marks the next step towards the planned spring release. The best products for you: Our Amazon storefront offers a wide selection of accessories, including those for HomeKit. (Image: Apfelpatient)
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