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Apple’s iOS 26.4<\/a> beta is now available, just one week after the tech giant launched iOS 26.3<\/a>. Released on Monday, the iOS 26.4 beta doesn’t include the long-awaited Gemini<\/a>-powered Siri<\/a>, which was rumoured to arrive in this update<\/a> up until last week<\/a>. Instead, the latest iOS version focuses on changes to Apple Music and Podcasts, as well as testing out end-to-end RCS encryption for text messages.<\/p>\n The iOS 26.4 beta is currently only available to developers, however a wider public release is expected in the following weeks. Here are a few of the most significant new features you can look forward to.<\/p>\n Apple Music received a redesign<\/a> in iOS 26.4 beta, adding full-page artwork and a new feature showing concerts and tour dates in your local area. However, the arguably bigger update is the new ability to create AI-generated playlists based on text prompts<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Called Playlist Playground, users can type in a description of the type of tunes they’re after, such as “evening wind down songs” or “90s grunge hits.” Apple Music will then use AI to generate a 25-song playlist based on this prompt, which can be further refined by adding additional prompts as well as manually curating and reordering songs. Once you’re happy with your playlist, you can add cover art and a description before saving it.<\/p>\n \n Mashable Light Speed<\/span>\n <\/p>\n<\/section>\n Apple Podcasts already supports video, but the iOS 26.4 beta has given this feature an update<\/a>. Switching between audio and video should be easier, as Apple’s communications protocol will automatically adjust playback quality depending upon your network conditions. Users can also swap between horizontal and vertical displays, and download video podcasts to watch later.<\/p>\n In addition to this, podcast creators can now dynamically insert video ads into their episodes, with Apple stating that this enables them to “[unlock] access to the broader video advertising market while maintaining full creative control.” The tech giant further noted that video podcast episodes will be included in Apple Podcast features such as in personalised recommendations and editorially curated lists.<\/p>\nApple Music adds AI-generated playlists<\/h2>\n
Apple Podcasts improves video capabilities<\/h2>\n
RCS end-to-end encryption tests in Messages<\/h2>\n