Apple has released iOS 26.4 Beta 1 to developers, which includes a range of security improvements, media changes and early testing capabilities for Rich Communication Services (RCS) encryption. Unsurprisingly, the update doesn't bring with it the redesigned AI-based Siri; that redesign is now apparently pushed to iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27.

Apple iOS 26.4 Beta 1: What’s New

RCS Encryption Enters Testing Phase

Apple has added end-to-end encryption testing options for RCS chat in iOS 26.4 Beta 1. For now, encryption only functions among Apple devices; it’s not cross-platform, meaning that you’re out of luck if you have an Android phone. Just to clarify here, the full release will arrive as part of an upcoming update over iOS, iPadOS, macOS and watchOS,  not as the stable release for iOS 26.4

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Stronger App Security

Memory Integrity Enforcement for apps is a new defence that will enhance memory safety and reduce exploitation, part of Apple’s continued emphasis on platform security.

Podcasts App Gets Video Support

Apple began streaming video podcasts with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 betas, ahead of a broader spring rollout. The update also provides creators with the ability to live stream video podcasts with HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), resulting in greater control and monetisation. Users are able to transition back and forth between audio and video (including horizontal/vertical playback).

Apple iOS 26.4 Beta 1: Additional Features

While Apple’s release notes focus on security and messaging, reports highlight several other changes in iOS 26.4. Beta 1:

Apple Music:

- Full-screen album art for select albums and playlists

- Concert discovery features

- Redesigned Profile section for quicker access to common tasks

- AI-assisted playlist creation using text prompts

Wallpaper Gallery:

- Redesigned layout with clearer category separation

Reminders:

- New Smart List for tasks marked as urgent

Home Screen:

- New ambient music playlists widget

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Siri Update Still Delayed

Apple's AI-powered Siri is now available in the iOS 26.4 Beta 1, and while we were expecting something along those lines, it didn't happen. It's now commonly anticipated in iOS 26.5, or at best alongside iOS 27, suggesting a more comprehensive period of internal testing and development stages.

The first beta of iOS 26.4 Beta 1 also concentrates on security, media experiences and messaging foundations, including the first tests of early RCS encryption. Though the headline Siri AI upgrade is still to come, the beta lays some crucial groundwork for future updates throughout Apple’s platforms.