Apple has released the iOS 26.4 release candidate for developers and public beta testers, outlining a set of new features, updates and fixes for iPhone users. The update introduces tools in Apple Music, adds new emoji, and includes changes to accessibility, reminders and family sharing.
The release signals Apple’s next software rollout, with the final public version expected next week. The update focuses on music discovery, user controls and system improvements, alongside bug fixes and security updates.
In Apple Music, Apple has added a Playlist Playground feature in beta, which creates playlists based on user descriptions. It generates a title, description and track list. A new Concerts feature helps users find nearby shows from artists in their library and suggests new artists based on listening history.
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The update also adds offline music recognition through the Control Centre. The feature identifies songs without an internet connection and provides results once the device reconnects.
Apple has introduced an Ambient Music widget with options such as Sleep, Chill, Productivity and Wellbeing. These playlists can be added to the home screen. Album and playlist pages now support full-screen backgrounds.
On accessibility, a new setting reduces bright effects by limiting flashes when users tap on interface elements. Subtitle and caption controls are now available within the captions icon during media playback, allowing users to adjust and preview settings.
The Reduce Motion setting has been updated to lower animation effects more consistently, including those linked to Liquid Glass, for users sensitive to motion.
Apple has added eight new emoji, including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer and a distorted face. These are available through the emoji keyboard.
In Freeform, users now get new image creation and editing tools along with access to a content library under Apple Creator Studio. The update also allows users to mark reminders as urgent from the Quick Toolbar, including by pressing and holding, and adds a filter for urgent reminders in Smart Lists.
Apple has introduced Purchase Sharing, allowing adult members in family sharing groups to use their own payment methods instead of relying on a single organiser. The company has also improved keyboard accuracy for fast typing.
Apple detailed these changes in its release notes alongside the rollout of the iOS 26.4 release candidate.
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