iOS 26.4 Beta Features: AI, RCS & More
Apple has officially rolled out the first developer build of iOS 26.4, and the new iOS 26.4 beta features reveal a clear push toward AI-powered personalization, deeper media integration, and stronger messaging security. While the update is currently limited to registered developers, the additions offer insight into how Apple is evolving its ecosystem — and how those changes stack up against Android’s existing capabilities.
For Android users tracking cross-platform innovation, several upgrades in this beta feel familiar, while others signal competitive moves in areas like encrypted messaging and AI-generated content.
AI and Media Take Center Stage
One of the headline iOS 26.4 beta features is an AI-powered playlist creation tool inside Apple Music. Users can type a prompt — such as a mood, activity, or genre — and the system generates a curated 25-track playlist complete with a title, description, and cover art. Apple has also refreshed album and playlist pages with full-screen artwork for a more immersive browsing experience.
On the podcast front, Apple is adding video podcast support within its Podcasts app. Episodes can now switch seamlessly between audio and video, with offline downloads supported. The company is leveraging HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to optimize quality and monetization options for creators.
For comparison, Android users have long had flexible media experiences through apps like YouTube Music and Google Podcasts, alongside system-level media controls integrated into recent Android updates. As seen in recent Android 17 beta developments, Google continues to expand AI-driven personalization across its services.
RCS Encryption and Messaging Enhancements
Among the most significant iOS 26.4 beta features is Apple’s testing of end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages. Encrypted chats will display a lock icon, bringing enhanced privacy to rich messaging conversations. Currently, Apple is testing encryption for iPhone-to-iPhone RCS messaging, with broader cross-platform support expected later.
This move is notable because Android has supported encrypted RCS messaging in Google Messages for some time. Google has publicly advocated for secure RCS standards through the GSM Association (GSMA), positioning encryption as essential for modern messaging.
The addition of encryption in Apple’s beta signals progress toward greater parity between ecosystems, particularly for users who message across platforms.
Security Tightened by Default
Security also gets a boost in the new beta. Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default rather than optional. Sensitive actions — including accessing stored passwords, enabling Lost Mode, or making certain purchases — require biometric authentication via Face ID or Touch ID. Some changes trigger a one-hour security delay to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Android has implemented similar layered protections in recent years, including theft detection features, biometric authentication requirements, and enhanced device protection controls rolled out through Google Play system updates.
Interface Refinements and System Tweaks
Several design and usability improvements round out the iOS 26.4 beta features list:
- A new Ambient Music widget for the Home and Lock Screen
- A redesigned Apple Account hub across the App Store and Apple Music
- Refreshed Wallpaper and Watch Face galleries
- A new “Urgent” category in the Reminders app
- Updates to Freeform Creator Studio with AI-powered image tools
There are also navigation adjustments within the App Store, including consolidated purchase history and repositioned search functionality.
For Android users, these changes mirror the incremental refinement approach Google applies through modular system updates. Google’s Play System Updates allow interface tweaks and feature additions without requiring full OS upgrades — a strategy that keeps Android devices current across brands like Samsung and Pixel.
EU-Only Notification Forwarding
Interestingly, Apple has reintroduced Notification Forwarding in the EU, allowing iPhone alerts to be sent to third-party wearables, including Android smartwatches. This reflects growing regulatory pressure in Europe for greater interoperability between platforms.
Android devices, particularly Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models, have long supported cross-device notification syncing within broader ecosystems.
Eligible Devices and Developer Access
The iOS 26.4 beta is available to registered developers using supported iPhone models from the iPhone 11 series onward, including newer Pro and standard variants. Users must enroll through Apple’s developer program and install the beta via the Software Update section in Settings.
As always with developer builds, early versions may contain bugs and are not recommended for primary devices.
Why This Matters for Android Users
While iOS 26.4 beta features focus on Apple’s ecosystem, many of the additions reflect competitive responses to capabilities Android users already enjoy — particularly in AI playlist generation, encrypted RCS messaging, and system-level personalization.
For ongoing coverage of Android updates, Play system enhancements, and Pixel-exclusive features, explore our latest Android platform stories to see how Google’s ecosystem continues to evolve alongside Apple’s.
