Apple has released the RC version of iOS 26.4 to developers, marking the final step before the update is made publicly available to all supported iPhone users. Build Release Candidate incorporates features tested in previous betas and fixes identified bugs, preparing the system for the stable version. The company indirectly confirmed the proximity of the launch by announcing that some features of the new AirPods Max 2 require iOS 26.4, with availability scheduled for early April. Usuários betas are already accessing the update, while the general public should receive the final version soon.
The update brings improvements to Apple’s native applications, with a focus on entertainment and security. Novos features coming to Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, plus accessibility and privacy adjustments.
Main news in Apple Music
The Apple Music gains the Playlist Playground feature, which allows you to create personalized playlists through text commands processed by the Apple’s artificial intelligence. Users describe the desired mood, activity or emotion, and the system generates suggestions based on listening history.
The Concertos near you feature makes it easier to discover live shows in the user’s region, integrating data from nearby events directly into the app. Além Additionally, albums and playlists receive a new design with full-screen covers, improving the visual experience during browsing.
The new iOS 26.4 is introducing nine new emoji
—Breaking911 (@Breaking911)March 11, 2026
• Trombone
• Treasure Chest
• Distorted Face
• Hairy Creature
• Fight Cloud
• Orca
• Landslidepic.twitter.com/lAq0cUfCJD
Updates to Apple Podcasts
Apple Podcasts now supports podcasts in video format with HLS transmission, allowing creators to publish native audiovisual content on the platform. Essa change expands options for audio producers who want to explore visual formats without relying on external services.
Users access video episodes with the same familiar interface, including playback controls and enhanced automatic captions. The news reinforces Apple’s position in the on-demand content market.
New emojis arrive on the keyboard
The update includes nine new emojis, expanding expression options on iOS. Entre they are trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature (inspired by legends like Pé Grande), battle cloud, aircrew, landslide, orca and ballerina.
These icons follow recent standards from Unicode and appear in all apps that use the system keyboard. Inclusion aims to meet demands for diversity and representation in everyday communications.
Security and accessibility improvements
End-to-end encryption now protects RCS messages in conversations with Android devices, raising the bar for privacy in cross-platform communications. The Proteção feature against device theft is now enabled by default, requiring additional biometric authentication in risky situations.
A new Reduzir glow effects setting disables flickering elements introduced in the Liquid Glass design, benefiting users sensitive to intense visual stimuli. Esses adjustments prioritize comfort and safety without changing the main look of the system.
Siri and artificial intelligence postponed
The expected redesign of Siri with advanced integration of AI models does not arrive in iOS 26.4. Fontes indicate delays in development, transferring possible new features to future versions, possibly iOS 27.
Apple continues to work on expanding language support, including Polish, but without confirmation of immediate availability. Recursos of existing AIs remain stable in the current update.
Expected release and compatibility
The final version of iOS 26.4 should arrive in early April, in line with the need for compatibility with the AirPods Max 2. Apple simultaneously released the RC versions of iPadOS 26.4, macOS
Devices compatible with iOS 26 receive the update without additional restrictions. Usuários beta installs RC now, while the general public awaits automatic rollout via Ajustes.
Apple also made bug fixes and performance improvements available in the build, ensuring stability before widespread distribution.
