iOS 26.4 Release Candidate Signals Imminent Public Rollout

Release notes point to a near-term launch with media upgrades, CarPlay voice AI support, and stronger default security.

Overview

Apple has issued the iOS 26.4 release candidate to developers and public testers, with a public release likely around March 23–24 according to current reporting.
CarPlay adds a new category for third-party voice-only conversational AI apps, with Apple’s rules blocking on-screen text or images for safety.
Podcasts gains native video with HLS streaming, seamless switching between audio and video, and offline video downloads.
Apple Music introduces Playlist Playground to build playlists from text prompts, plus a new Ambient Music widget and full-screen album and playlist artwork.
Stolen Device Protection turns on by default with biometric checks and one-hour delays for sensitive Apple ID changes, while eight new emoji and more flexible Family Sharing payments round out the update.