Apple releases iOS 26.4 beta 1: Upgrades to RCS messaging, security, and Apple Intelligence.

Apple has officially released iOS 26.4 beta 1 for developers with build number 23E5207q. Users participating in the beta program can now update through the Settings app, under General, and select Software Update. This version marks a significant step forward in standardizing the messaging protocol and deeply integrating artificial intelligence into the default app ecosystem.

Upgrade your RCS messaging protocol and digital content experience.

The most notable highlight in iOS 26.4 beta 1 is Apple's introduction of support for the encrypted Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging feature. Currently, this feature is being rolled out on a limited number of iPhone devices for stability testing before scaling up. The adoption of encrypted RCS promises to bridge the messaging experience gap between iPhones and other platforms in the future.

In addition, the Apple Podcasts app has received a major upgrade in video processing capabilities. Thanks to the adoption of HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, the app can now automatically adjust image quality based on the user's actual bandwidth speed, making the transition between video viewing and audio listening more seamless. Apple has also integrated dynamic video advertising to optimize the platform.

The power of AI and improvements to Apple Music.

Apple continues to expand the reach of Apple Intelligence through the Playlist Playground feature in the Music app. This tool allows users to create personalized playlists using only text descriptions or pre-set suggestions. The visual experience is also enhanced with more vibrant full-screen album art and the ability to search for artist schedules directly within the library.

The user interface has also undergone a synchronized change. The "Profile" section has been redesigned to be more minimalist, providing quick access to common tasks. This new design is not only present in Apple Music but is also consistently applied across the App Store, Apple Podcasts, and the Apple TV app.

Optimize task management and personalize devices.

In an effort to improve productivity, Apple has added a new Smart List feature for "Urgent" tasks in the Reminders app. The system will automatically set reminder alarms for these labeled tasks, based on the technology introduced in iOS 26.2. The wallpaper library has also been reorganized more efficiently, similar to how watch faces are arranged on the Apple Watch.

Tighten security for systems and small utilities.

In terms of security, the Stolen Device Protection feature is now enabled by default instead of requiring manual setup as before. The system will automatically request biometric authentication (FaceID/TouchID) when it detects the device is far from secure locations, and will apply a time delay mechanism for sensitive setting changes.

Other minor but significant changes include:

• The App Store search bar has been moved to the top of the tab, integrated into the navigation bar below.
• The new Shortcut Action allows users to set battery charging limits to protect hardware lifespan.
• The Weather app supports adding/removing locations via shortcuts.
• The Apple Health system adds sleep data and in-depth health metrics.

Notably, source code analysis suggests Apple is preparing to integrate video playback functionality for CarPlay in upcoming updates. In addition to iOS, macOS 26.4 will also bring battery charging limits to MacBooks, synchronizing power management experiences across the company's entire hardware ecosystem.

Thanh Vinh