Apple today released iOS 26.4 Beta 2 for developers and public testers, alongside signs of a stable iOS 26.3.1 update in the next two weeks. No major Siri upgrades yet—despite hype for chatbot-like smarts—but beta testers get privacy boosts and music tweaks. Frustrated? You’re not alone.
What’s New in iOS 26.4 Beta 2
- RCS End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): Now works cross-platform (iPhone to Android) with a lock icon on green bubbles. Previously iPhone-only; stable rollout eyed for iOS 26.5/26.6.
- Apple Music Playlist Playground: AI-generated 25-song playlists from prompts like “misty indie folk mornings.” Refine with “more acoustic” or “no metal.”
- Games App UI Fix: Search bar moves to top, icon joins bottom tab bar—matching App Store style.
- No Siri 2.0: Delays push “Personal Siri” (screen awareness, email scans) to iOS 26.5 (May?) and full Gemini-powered overhaul to iOS 27 (Sept 2026).
iOS 26.3.1 is a quick bug-fix patch, possibly tying into iPhone 17e launch next week.
Timeline and How to Install
- iOS 26.3.1 Stable: ~2 weeks (bug/security fixes).
- iOS 26.4 Stable: Late March/early April.
- Install Beta: Settings > General > Software Update (join Apple Beta Program first). Compatible: iPhone XS+.
India users: Expect OTA alerts soon; great for RCS with Android friends, but hold off on betas if stability matters.
Siri delays got you down? Vote: Will you beta-test iOS 26.5?