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Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Public Beta With AI Playlists, Video Podcasts and CarPlay Upgrades

The beta underscores Apple’s incremental AI rollout, with the Siri revamp still missing ahead of a March 4 briefing.

Overview

  • iOS 26.4 is now available to public testers, with a wider release expected in March or April.
  • Apple Music adds an AI “Playlist Playground” that builds 25‑track mixes from text prompts and lets users refine results and artwork.
  • Apple is testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in this beta on a limited basis, with broader cross-platform support planned for later updates.
  • CarPlay gains parked-only video playback, including the Apple TV app, and access to third‑party AI services such as ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude.
  • Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default, requiring Face ID or Touch ID for sensitive actions to better protect compromised devices.