{"id":3095036,"date":"2026-02-20T11:44:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T19:44:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/?p=3095036"},"modified":"2026-02-20T12:28:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T20:28:14","slug":"apples-ios-26-4-arrives-in-public-beta-with-ai-music-playlists-video-podcasts-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2026\/02\/20\/apples-ios-26-4-arrives-in-public-beta-with-ai-music-playlists-video-podcasts-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Apple’s iOS 26.4 arrives in public beta with AI music playlists, video podcasts, and more"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Apple this week released the latest version<\/a> of its mobile operating system, iOS 26.4<\/a>, which introduces several new features, including an AI-powered playlist-generation feature in Apple Music, support for video content in the Podcasts app, end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The update is currently available in pubic beta, with the public release expected sometime in March or April.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Apple Music’s AI playlist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the most noticeable improvements arrives in Apple Music \u2014 iOS 26.4 introduces a new AI-powered “Playlist Playground” feature that leverages Apple Intelligence. The feature allows users to generate a custom 25-song playlist from a text prompt, such as \u201cupbeat workout mix\u201d or \u201ccalm evening.\u201d Users can then further refine the results and even select matching cover art.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong>Apple (screenshot)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In addition, Apple Music’s user interface has been refreshed to showcase full-screen artwork for albums and playlists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerts Near You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Plus, Apple Music is getting a new “Concerts Near You” section that helps users discover live shows from their favorite artists. You can filter this section by Date and Genre, or switch locations if you’re traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong>Apple (screenshot)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Apple Podcasts video episodes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Following Spotify’s push into video, Apple’s Podcasts app is making it easy to switch back and forth between audio and video episodes<\/a> with this release. Creators can publish video podcasts using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), and listeners can seamlessly switch between audio and video playback within the same episode, moving to a full horizontal display if they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong>Apple<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At launch, the video episodes will be integrated with other Apple Podcasts features, like personalized recommendations and editorial curation on the New tab and Category pages, just as audio podcasts are. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

HLS also brings an automatic quality adjustment feature, which helps videos play better whether listeners are on Wi-Fi or cellular. Plus, users will be able to download video episodes for offline viewing. At launch, HLS is supported by Acast, Amazon’s ART19, Triton\u2019s Omny Studio, and SiriusXM, including SiriusXM Media, AdsWizz, and Simplecast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong>Apple<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Creators will be able to dynamically insert video ads, including host-read spots, into their podcasts, too. Apple doesn’t charge creators to distribute podcasts, but it says that, starting later this year, participating ad networks will have to pay an impression-based fee for the delivery of the dynamic ads in the HLS videos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Encrypted RCS messaging <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Messaging is also receiving an important upgrade with encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS), which begins testing in iOS 26.4. End-to-end encryption for RCS conversations will one day help ensure messages between iPhone users and Android users are just as secure as iMessage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Currently, Apple is only testing this between iPhones in beta. These conversations will be labeled as encrypted and cannot be read while sent between devices.\u00a0The company notes that the feature will be released publicly in a later software update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS, and the beta is not available for all devices and carriers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stolen Device Detection is on by default<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Security improvements are another highlight of iOS 26.4. Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default, adding an extra layer of biometric authentication for sensitive actions such as accessing saved passwords or making certain account changes. By requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication in more scenarios, Apple reduces the risk of unauthorized access if a device is stolen and the passcode is compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Image Credits:<\/strong>Apple<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

CarPlay adds in-car video playback<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Drivers using Apple CarPlay will also notice changes. CarPlay now supports in-car video playback <\/a>for select apps \u2014 including the Apple TV app \u2014but only when the vehicle is parked to ensure safety. This enhancement introduces new entertainment options for passengers when they’re stopped or while waiting in the car for a period of time. (Hooray for parents in the pickup line at school!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n