Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Developer Beta With Video Podcasts and Early RCS Encryption

The update advances Apple’s push into HLS video for podcasts with a new monetization model as Messages begins limited RCS end‑to‑end encryption tests.

Overview

  • Apple Podcasts adds HLS-based video with seamless switching between audio and video, offline downloads and automatic quality adaptation.
  • Creators can insert dynamic video ads, and Apple plans to charge participating ad networks an impressions-based fee for delivering those ads on Apple Podcasts.
  • Initial RCS end-to-end encryption appears in Messages for RCS chats between iPhones only, with iPhone–Android encryption not yet available.
  • Apple Music tests Playlist Playground for text-prompted playlists and a Concerts Near You section, while stolen-device protections are enabled by default with added biometric checks for sensitive actions.
  • Beta code points to parked-only CarPlay video via AirPlay with Apple TV support, and the developer build is out now with a public beta expected soon and a spring release target as Siri 2.0 remains delayed.