iOS 26.4: RCS Testing, Apple Music AI & New Features, Enhanced Security

by Anika Shah - Technology March 9, 2026

March 9, 2026 0 comments

iOS 26.4 Beta Ushers in RCS Encryption, Apple Music Enhancements, and Enhanced Security

Apple is currently testing iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 with developers and public beta users, bringing a suite of new features, and improvements. A key focus of this update is the introduction of testing for end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, alongside significant enhancements to Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and a bolstering of device security with Stolen Device Protection enabled by default. The fourth beta is currently available as of March 9, 2026, according to Apple’s release notes Apple Developer.

Apple Music Gains New Features

iOS 26.4 introduces several notable improvements to the Apple Music experience:

Concerts Section: A new section displays upcoming concerts and tour dates for artists within the user’s library.
Animated Album & Playlist Artwork: Full-screen animated artwork provides a more visually engaging experience for albums and playlists.
Redesigned Profile Page: The Profile page has been redesigned for easier access to account settings and subscriptions.
Playlist Playground: An AI-powered tool, Playlist Playground, allows users to generate playlists from text prompts, such as “relaxing songs from the 1990s.” 9to5Mac
Ambient Music Widgets: New widgets for Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing provide quick access to mood-based music.

Reminders App Update

The Reminders app receives a focused update with the addition of an Urgent task list, providing a dedicated Smart List for all urgent reminders.

Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messaging

Apple is testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages within the Messages app. When enabled, RCS chats will display a lock icon, similar to iMessage conversations, indicating encryption is active. MacRumors. However, Apple notes that this encryption feature is currently for testing purposes and will be rolled out in a later iOS update, not within the final iOS 26.4 release.

Apple Podcasts Enhancements

The Apple Podcasts app is receiving a major update focused on video podcasts. The update simplifies switching between video and audio versions and introduces support for dynamic video advertising powered by HLS technology.

Apple Health Improvements

iOS 26.4 expands the data available within the Apple Health app:

Average Bedtime Metric: A new metric for tracking sleep habits.
Blood Oxygen Readings: Blood Oxygen readings have been reinstated in the Vitals graph.

Stolen Device Protection Enabled by Default

Apple is enhancing security by enabling Stolen Device Protection by default. This feature requires Face ID authentication and additional security checks for sensitive actions when away from trusted locations.

Additional Changes

The update also includes several smaller interface and system changes:

The Search bar in the App Store has been moved back to the top of the Search tab.
The Wallpaper Gallery has been redesigned with clearer categories.
The Apple Watch face gallery layout has been updated.
A new Reduce Highlighting Effects accessibility option has been added.
Control Center pop-ups now appear with dark backgrounds in Dark Mode.
A new iCloud search setting allows searching Photos and files from iCloud.com.
Freeform Creator Studio is now available for subscribers.

Release Timeline

iOS 26.4 is currently in beta testing, and Apple may adjust features before the final release. Based on historical release timing, a public release is anticipated sometime in late March or early April. MacRumors Apple has not yet confirmed a final release date or specified which features will be included in the final build.