This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple has released the fourth developer beta of iOS 26.4. Simultaneously, new test versions of iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 are also available. This marks the next stage of the current beta phase and further prepares the way for the final release.
The release follows several extensive test versions in which Apple already introduced numerous changes. While Beta 1 offered the most comprehensive feature set, and Beta 2 and Beta 3 delivered further adjustments and stability improvements, the focus is now likely to increasingly shift to fine-tuning and system integration.
New features, design adjustments, or background activations are generally possible. However, at this time, there are no confirmed details regarding specific changes in iOS 26.4 Beta 4.
The new version is currently being analyzed. As soon as any visible changes or functional adjustments are discovered, a separate and detailed report will follow.
iOS 26.4 Beta 4 continues the development cycle
With Beta 4, Apple continues its regular development process. This phase of a beta series typically focuses primarily on the following points:
- Performance optimizations
- Bug fixes
- Stability improvements
- Fine-tuning of existing functions
Major new features are released much less frequently during this phase. However, minor changes can be integrated at any time. Confirmed details regarding specific adjustments are not yet available.
Beta 4 is initially available to registered developers. A new public beta version should follow soon.
Looking back: What iOS 26.4 has brought so far
The first beta version of iOS 26.4 already introduced a comprehensive feature set. This included several innovations in key system areas.
Media and Apps
- Playlist Playground in Apple Music for AI-based playlist creation
- Concert integration directly within the Apple Music app
- Full-screen view for albums and playlists
- Video podcasts based on HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) in Apple Podcasts
Security and communication
- Device theft protection is enabled by default.
- Biometric authentication for particularly sensitive actions
- Security delay in critical account changes
- Beta test of end-to-end encryption for RCS messages
Important: RCS encryption is not part of the final iOS 26.4 update for all users. Apple is currently testing this feature in the beta version. The final rollout is expected in a later iOS 26 update.
System and detail improvements
In addition, iOS 26.4 brought numerous minor adjustments and structural changes, including:
- Newly structured background image gallery
- Transparent display of hotspot data usage per device
- New sleep metric "Average Sleep Time" in the Health app
- Return of blood oxygen levels in the central vital data graph
- New Ambient Music Widget
- New "Urgent" section in the Reminders app
- Redesigned Apple Account Hub
- EU-specific features for third-party wearables
Beta 2 and Beta 3 brought further detailed adjustments, including extensions to the RCS test phase, design corrections in several apps, and improvements in beta management.
- iOS 26.4: When will the big iPhone update be released?
- iOS 26.4 Beta 2: All features and adjustments
- iOS 26.4: All new features of Beta 1
- iOS 26.4: These changes are barely noticeable
iOS 26.4 is nearing its final phase
With iOS 26.4 Beta 4, the next milestone is approaching. Experience shows that the number of major, visible new features will now decrease further, while Apple increasingly focuses on stability, performance, and system integration.
Typically, a release candidate follows in the further course of the beta phase, before the final version of the update is made available to all users.
Once specific changes in iOS 26.4 Beta 4 are confirmed, they will be covered separately and in detail. Until then, Beta 4 primarily marks the next stabilization step in the current development cycle.
For those who want to delve deeper into Apple's history and philosophy, here are some suitable book recommendations! (Image: Apfelpatient)
- Apple now integrates MagSafe into every new iPhone
- M4 iPad Air Reviews: Apple's powerful tablet just got better
- iPhone 17e: Initial reviews praise the new budget model
- Apple turns 50: Tim Cook calls Apple "unique"
- MacBook Air with M5: Benchmark shows significant improvement
- Apple is restructuring its leadership: New names in management
- MacBook Neo: Apple focuses on design despite the low price
- iPhone 17e: Initial benchmarks show strong CPU performance
- Apple TV confirms: Silo season 4 has already been filmed
- Apple TV releases teaser for Ted Lasso Season 4
- Apple TV wins two awards at the GLAAD Media Awards
- Apple and Sydney Opera House support creative talent
- MacBook Neo: Initial benchmarks reveal its potential
- Apple M5 Max sets a true benchmark record
- Mac Studio: 512GB RAM upgrade no longer available for order
- OpenAI introduces GPT-5.4: More performance for ChatGPT
- John Ternus talks about MacBook Neo, AI and CEO rumors
- MacBook Neo could drastically change the notebook market
- MacBook Neo: New Studio Displays only usable to a limited extent
- Pentagon decision on Anthropic draws criticism
- macOS informs about USB-C limit on the MacBook Neo
- MacBook Neo: Why Apple chose this name
- New MacBook models will ship in Europe without a power adapter
