Apple has officially released iOS 26.4 to the public after more than a month of testing. The testing phase included four beta builds along with a release candidate that rolled out last week. The latest iOS 26.4 update is now available for iPhone 11 and newer models, so if you have an eligible device, you can go ahead and install it.
In addition to iOS 26.4, Apple has also released other updates, including iPadOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe 26.4, macOS Sequoia 15.7.5, macOS Sonoma 14.8.5, iOS 18.7.7, watchOS 8.8.2, watchOS 5.3.10, HomePod Software 26.4, and visionOS 26.4.
This week’s update rollout is quite packed, as Apple has also released updates for several older versions of iOS and macOS. The latest iOS 26.4 update carries build number 23E246, which is different from release candidate build.
Everything New in iOS 26.4 Update
The iOS 26.4 update introduces several new features and improvements, making it a special update. Some of the key changes include the new playlist playground (US), new emojis, improved keyboard accuracy and more. Here is the full official changelog of the iOS 26.4 update.
Apple Music
- Playlist Playground (beta) generates a playlist from your description, complete with a title, description, and tracklist
- Concerts helps you discover nearby shows from artists in your library and recommends new artists based on what you listen to
- Offline Music Recognition in Control Center identifies songs without an internet connection and delivers results automatically when you’re back online
- Ambient Music widget for Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing brings curated playlists to the Home Screen
- Full screen backgrounds give album and playlist pages a more immersive look
Accessibility
- Reduce bright effects setting minimizes bright flashes when tapping on elements like buttons
- Subtitle and caption settings are available from the captions icon while viewing media, making them easier to find, customize, and preview
- Reduce Motion setting more reliably reduces the animations of Liquid Glass for users sensitive to on screen motion
This update also includes the following enhancements:
- 8 new emoji including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face are available in the emoji keyboard
- Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools, and a premium content library, joining Apple Creator Studio
- Mark reminders as urgent from the Quick Toolbar or by touching and holding, and filter for urgent reminders in your Smart Lists
- Purchase Sharing lets adult members in Family Sharing groups use their own payment method when making purchases, without relying on the family organizer
- Improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly
The size of the iOS 26.4 update varies depending on the device and the current version installed on the device. If you have a recent beta installed, you can turn off beta updates to check if this reduces update size, allowing you to install it more quickly.
If you have an eligible iPhone, you can check for the update by going to Settings > General > Software Update. And to turn off beta updates, go to the beta updates option. Ensure that your device is not hot while installing the update to avoid any major issues.
Explore More:
- watchOS 26.4 release candidate is out for testers!
- Apple pushes iOS 26.3.1(a) background security update to iPhones
- Apple releases new iOS updates for older iPhones
- Apple releases iOS 26.4 Beta 4, likely the final beta
- Apple rolls out iOS 26.3.1 with latest Studio Display support
- Download MacBook Neo Wallpapers [Official Backgrounds]
- Download iPhone 17e Wallpapers (High-Res Backgrounds)
