Apple has officially released the final versions of iOS 26.4 (build 23E246), iPadOS 26.4, macOS (23O247), making them available to all users. Esta series of updates covers a wide range of devices, ensuring improvements and new features across the company’s ecosystem.
At the same time, iOS 18.7.7 (build 22H333), iPadOS 18.7.7, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5 (24G624), macOS (16U711). Essas older versions are intended for users who prefer not to upgrade to the latest systems or who have devices that are not compatible with the latest generations of software.
Although there was an expectation that the new systems would include a reformulated version of Siri, this did not materialize in this wave of releases. However, the updates bring a significant set of other new features and improvements, ranging from the audio and video experience to device personalization and security.
Innovations in video podcasts
The Podcasts application received advanced features that transform the video content consumption experience. The adoption of HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) now allows users to watch videos directly within the app, with the option to expand to full-screen horizontal view for more immersive viewing.
Additionally, the new functionality makes it possible to download videos to watch offline, offering flexibility for listeners to consume their favorite programs anywhere, regardless of internet connection. Automatic video quality adjustment ensures smooth playback in all network conditions, whether via Wi-Fi or mobile data, while creators can dynamically insert video ads, integrating them into programs without interruption.
Expanded music capabilities in Apple Music
Apple Music has been enhanced with features that enrich the user’s interaction with music and artists. One of the new features is “Shows near you” (Concerts Near You), which displays performance dates by favorite artists in the user’s region, making it easier to follow live events.
A new look for albums and playlists now fills the entire screen, providing more consistent and visually appealing navigation. Este redesign aims to offer a more modern and intuitive user experience when exploring music collections.
Additionally, the Identificador Musical feature, accessible on the Central of Controle, gained the ability to detect music even without an internet connection, displaying the results automatically as soon as the device is online again. The Música Ambiente (Ambient Music) feature has also been expanded, allowing you to access themed sounds for Dormir, Relaxar, Finally, a beta feature called Playlist Playground, which automatically generates lists with title, description and songs from a description, was implemented for American accounts, and it is now possible to add the same song to multiple playlists simultaneously.
Age verification and new emojis
When installing iOS 26.4, Brazilian users will be asked to confirm that they are over 18 years old, in compliance with local legislation requirements. Essa verification is a simple process, which can be done with a few taps, using the credit card registered with Conta Apple or an age document.
This confirmation is essential not only for installing software on App Store, but also to provide a more personalized experience on Apple Music, in line with content regulations. The operating system also introduces eight new emojis, expanding the range of expressions available to users. The collection includes a trombone, a treasure chest, a distorted face, the Pé Grande, a fight cloud, an orca, a landslide and a ballerina, all with full support for different skin tones, promoting greater diversity in digital communication.
Flexibility of family payments
An important change has been implemented in the Compartilhamento Familiar system, which traditionally required all members to use a single shared payment method for purchases and app subscriptions when purchase sharing is enabled. Essa restriction, which only allowed the use of individual balances from Conta Apple as an exception, created some difficulties for families that wanted greater financial autonomy among their members.
With the update, it is now possible to share the benefits of Compartilhamento Familiar without the obligation to have a single payment method for the entire group. Membros adults can choose to use the organizer’s payment method or enter a separate payment method as detailed in the updated support document. However, it is important to note that children’s accounts will continue to use the organizer’s payment method for all their purchases, maintaining parental control over spending.
Messaging and steering improvements
RCS 1 messages now support end-to-end encryption, which is enabled by default and can be accessed in the Mensagens application settings, within Ajustes. Essa functionality increases the level of security and privacy of communications, ensuring that only the sender and recipient can read the content of the messages, however, its full operation also requires support from the operator.
CarPlay also received a significant innovation, allowing users to interact with artificial intelligence services and applications, such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude, without taking their hands off the steering wheel. Interaction takes place through voice questions and requests, as long as these applications have voice as the primary form of interaction when opened. Após this, they will respond appropriately to questions or perform requested actions. It is crucial to note that it is not possible to replace the Siri with a third-party AI assistant, and the feature requires developers to add CarPlay support to their respective apps, expanding the possibilities for connectivity and convenience while driving.
Fixes and other system improvements
The update naturally includes several bug fixes to improve the stability and overall performance of the systems. One of the main ones is the correction of the keyboard’s accuracy when typing quickly, which previously had a problem with losing some characters at high speed.
The background image gallery interface now displays customizable categories at the top, including sections like Destaques, Reprodução Aleatória, and Cenas Espaciais, making it easier to choose and customize. The Proteção and Dispositivo Roubado feature is now enabled by default, reinforcing the security of user data and information in the event of loss or theft.
Other improvements include a redesign of the screen dedicated to Conta Apple on both the Apple Music and App Store, a new Outlook logo in the Mail application settings, and the possibility of integrating the Limite of The Freeform app now has advanced image creation and editing tools, as well as a library of premium content, integrating with Apple Creator Studio, offering more resources for creativity.
The elements on the screen for entering the iPhone unlock code have been centered, and no longer positioned on the left. Novas tweak options related to iCloud on the web have been added, such as the Permitir Busca feature, which authorizes trusted devices to provide search results to iCloud.com, and options to export and clear recent searches. Há also a new animation in the Mensagens application when opening the screen to compose a new message.
Usability and accessibility details
In the Gravação of Som settings of the Câmera app, a new option, “Zoom of Isso gives you greater control over sound quality in video recordings.
It is possible to view the amount of data used by devices in Acesso Pessoal, located in the corresponding section, just below the “Maximize Compatibilidade” option. Nos sleep monitoring highlights of the Saúde app, a section has been added that shows the average of Hora of Dormir, providing a clearer view of sleep patterns. The Sinais Vitais app, available on Estados Unidos, now displays a blood oxygen graph for users with Apple Watches who support this measurement.
Interface adjustments and customization
The search button was added to the others in the bottom tab bar of the App Store and the Jogos application, optimizing navigation and access to content search. The contextual menu of the “Edit” option in Tela of Início now presents greater transparency, harmonizing with the overall design of the system.
The contextual menu of widgets in Central and Controle gained a dark version when the system has this appearance activated, improving visual consistency. A new option in the Tela and Tamanho of Texto settings of the Acessibilidade section, “Reduce Efeitos of
More refinements and quick access
You can now tap the name of an update within Geral » Sobre » Versão of iOS to view its build, a small but useful addition for those who need detailed information about the installed version.
The Medida application now allows you to manually switch between the Métrico and Imperial systems directly in your settings, providing greater flexibility. Foram added new sharing messages to the Exercício app, making it easier to share achievements and activities. The Legendas and Legendas Ocultas settings are more accessible, appearing directly on the subtitles icon when viewing content, which simplifies finding, customizing and previewing. The Reduzir Movimento setting more reliably slows down Liquid Glass animations for users sensitive to screen movement. Finalmente, it is now possible to mark reminders as urgent in Barra or by tapping and holding Barra, in addition to filtering urgent reminders in their Listas Inteligentes, improving the organization and prioritization of tasks.