This Tuesday, Apple released updates 26.4 for iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS and HomePod. Usuários running the latest versions of the company’s operating systems receive a series of security fixes and additional functionality. The release comes just a few weeks after version 26.3, which brought more discreet changes.
Devices compatible with updated platforms gain practical improvements in everyday life. Security fixes represent the main reason for installing new versions immediately.
Charging limits and theft protection
MacBooks now let you set battery charging limits to preserve component life over time. Essa option prevents the battery from reaching 100% capacity when the user prefers to maintain lower levels.
Proteção against Roubo of Dispositivo is enabled by default in iOS and iPadOS security settings. The feature makes unauthorized access difficult when the iPhone or iPad is separated from the user in unknown locations.
Returning compact views on Safari
The Safari browser restores the tab view in compact mode on both macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26.4. Essa option organizes all tabs in a single line, making it easier to navigate on smaller screens or with multiple tabs open.
Users who prefer the classic layout still have the possibility of switching between modes without losing functionality. The change responds to recurring requests from the developer community and end users.
New emojis and features in Apple Music
Eight new emojis based on the Unicode 17.0 standard arrive on the keyboards of all updated devices. Entre they are representations of an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer and distorted face, as well as skin tone variations for some existing emojis.
Apple Music gains AI-generated playlists through Playlist Playground. Users can describe the type of music they want in plain text to quickly create personalized playlists.
Updates to Freeform and Compartilhamento Familiar
The Freeform app receives new features in Creator Studio that make it easier to create and edit collaborative boards. Essas tools expand the possibilities for teamwork within the app.
Adults participating in a group of Compartilhamento Familiar can use different payment methods when making purchases in the Apple ecosystem. Flexibility avoids previous restrictions that required the same method for all members.
RCS support and lack of features under test
Sending RCS messages to users of Android continues without end-to-end encryption in this release. Apple is publicly testing version 3.0 of the RCS standard, which includes encryption, but has not yet implemented it in the final update.
The smarter version of Siri, based on language models from Google, remains out of this release. The company confirmed that the feature will arrive throughout 2026, possibly in a later iOS 26 update or the next generation.
Security updates for old versions
Apple also released iOS 18.7.7 and iPadOS 18.7.7 for iPhone XS, XS Max, XR and 7th generation iPad. Esses devices no longer support iOS 26, but continue to receive important security fixes.
On macOS, versions Sequoia 15.7.5 and Sonoma 14.8.5 arrive for Macs that are incompatible or have not been updated for macOS Tahoe 26.4. Ambas include patches for vulnerabilities identified by the company.
Additional improvements on different platforms
tvOS 26.4 adds seamless audio connection settings and smart navigation features on Apple TV. Usuários of visionOS and watchOS receive adjustments corresponding to security fixes and general optimizations.
The Safari 26.4 update should arrive soon for older versions of macOS, as indicated by the official Apple channels. Todos systems benefit from stability and performance improvements.
Installation recommendations
Owners of supported devices should check update availability at Ajustes > Geral > Atualização of Software. Apple recommends installation on stable Wi-Fi connections to avoid interruptions during the process.
Users of older versions of iOS and macOS will find the new security fixes in the same system update sections. The company maintains active support for older devices through these point releases.
The release of versions 26.4 reinforces Apple’s commitment to security and user experience across the entire ecosystem. Midrange tweaks deliver practical value without requiring major interface changes.