Apple has released the first iOS 26.4 public beta for iPhone users enrolled in its beta testing program. The update brings several notable features including AI-powered enhancements to Apple Music, redesigned album and playlist views, and a new "Playlist Playground" feature that uses artificial intelligence to create custom playlists.

The update also introduces per-device Personal Hotspot data usage reports, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, and an enhanced video podcast experience. Apple is enabling Stolen Device Protection by default in this release, adding another layer of security for users. The beta also shows progress on CarPlay video support, which was introduced with iOS 26.

These changes represent Apple's continued push toward AI integration across its ecosystem while maintaining focus on user privacy and security. The public beta program allows users to test these features before the official release, though beta software can be unstable. Apple typically refines beta features based on user feedback before the final public launch.