Apple is preparing to release iOS 26.4 next week, bringing a substantial update to iPhone users with new features across Apple Music, Podcasts, CarPlay, and more. The release candidate build has already arrived for beta testers, signaling the public launch is imminent.

Based on Apple's historical release patterns, iOS 26.4 is expected to debut as early as March 23. Previous x.4 updates have consistently launched in late March, with iOS 18.4 arriving March 31, iOS 17.4 on March 5, and iOS 16.4 on March 27. The timing aligns perfectly with Apple's typical mid-March rollout schedule.

The update packs significant new functionality including Apple Music's AI Playlist Playground, enhanced Apple Podcasts video experience, CarPlay support for AI chatbot apps, and Health app improvements with new Sleep and Vitals data. Freeform gains exclusive Apple Creator Studio features while Reminders introduces an 'Urgent' smart list. The revamped wallpaper gallery rounds out the visual enhancements.