Apple today launched the first RC (Release Candidate) version of iOS 26.4 to developers and beta testers, which means that the system has entered the final stage and is just one step away from the official release. The launch of RC actually revealed three important signals. First, iOS 26.4 will almost certainly be officially launched to all users next week; second, the next testing cycle will usher in iOS 26.5, and this version will be equipped with the first batch of new-generation Siri and Apple Intelligence features based on the Gemini architecture; third, Apple has simultaneously disclosed the complete update content of iOS 26.4, detailing 13 new features and improvements that are about to land on the iPhone.
Apple reveals 13 improvements iOS 26.4 will bring to iPhone
The following are the main update highlights of iOS 26.4 compiled according to official instructions, covering Apple Music, accessibility features, emoticons, system tools and other aspects.
Apple Music: A music experience that’s smarter, more immersive, and closer to you
Apple Music is one of the most anticipated parts of this update, adding a number of enhanced features to give users a more intuitive and personalized experience when exploring music, creating playlists, and listening to albums.
- Playlist Playground (beta)
This new feature automatically generates playlists based on user-entered descriptions, including a list name, introduction, and track list. Whether you want a “late-night city feel”, “90s rock retro style” or “a rhythm suitable for morning jogging”, the system can instantly create a unique list for you. - Concert recommendations and nearby performances
Apple Music will now recommend performance information of artists you may be interested in based on your music library and listening habits, and display upcoming concerts near you, so you no longer miss the live performances of your favorite singers. - Offline music recognition
The music recognition function of the control center has been upgraded. It can recognize songs even when there is no Internet connection, and automatically synchronize the results after reconnecting. - Ambient music gadget
Apple has added a new ambient music widget for sleep, relaxation, focus, and physical and mental health, allowing you to place selected playlists directly on the home screen and enter the emotional state you need with one click. - full screen background
Full-screen backgrounds are added to the album and playlist pages, making the visual effect more immersive and making listening to music a more complete experience.
Accessibility functions: a more considerate and detailed user experience
iOS 26.4 also features a number of optimizations for accessibility, allowing more users to use iPhone in a more comfortable way.
- Reduce highlight effect
The new “Reduce Highlight Effect” setting can reduce the glare of buttons or interactive elements when they are clicked, making it more friendly to users who are sensitive to light. - Easier access to subtitle settings
When watching a video, users can quickly open subtitle and closed subtitle settings through the subtitle icon, and can more easily adjust and preview subtitle styles. - Reduce dynamic effects and be more reliable
For users who are easily affected by screen motion, “Reduce Motion Effect” can more stably reduce animation presentation when paired with the “Liquid Glass” function.
Other system enhancements: from emoticons to reminders, comprehensive upgrades
In addition to the above-mentioned main functions, iOS 26.4 also brings a number of detailed improvements to enhance the overall user experience.
- 8 new emojis added
The emoji keyboard adds 8 new patterns such as killer whale, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted expressions to make expressions more vivid. - Boundless Notes Upgrade
Boundless Notes gains more powerful image creation and editing tools, a new high-quality content library, and integration with Apple Creator Studio, allowing for more freedom in creation. - Reminders support emergency flags
Users can mark “urgent” from the shortcut toolbar or long-press the reminder item, and quickly filter it in the smart list. - Home sharing purchases more flexible
Adult members in a Family Sharing can now use their own payment method when shopping and no longer need to rely on the family organizer. - Improved keyboard accuracy
Keyboard accuracy when typing quickly has been improved for smoother typing.
iOS 26.4 RC is available to beta testers starting today, and the official version is expected to be fully rolled out next week. With iOS 26.5 about to bring new Siri and Apple Intelligence, this update can be said to be an important warm-up before the next wave of major changes.
Source: KOCPC Chinese