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Apple iOS 26.4 betas add video podcasts, RCS encryption

Kagi News | 2026-02-16 18:07 UTC | source

📱 Apple has released the first developer betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, alongside betas for macOS Tahoe 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. The spring update cycle leans into new media features, security upgrades, and a round of platform refinements 910112412. iOS 26.4 adds an “enhanced” video podcast experience in Apple Podcasts using HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), aimed at letting listeners switch between audio and video, use picture-in-picture, adapt quality to network conditions, and download episodes for offline playback 2828.

On privacy, Apple has started testing end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4. Early access is limited, and it isn’t yet broadly usable for iPhone-to-Android encryption testing 7291922. iOS 26.4 also enables Stolen Device Protection by default, adding biometric checks and security delays for sensitive account changes—an attempt to reduce real-world theft scenarios where attackers learn a passcode by watching 414243.

On the Mac, macOS Tahoe 26.4 adds a battery Charge Limit slider (80%–100%) and begins warning users when they launch apps that rely on Rosetta 2, ahead of Apple’s planned end to Rosetta 2 support after macOS 27 34381374039. Separately, iOS 26.4 code references suggest Apple is still working toward CarPlay video playback via AirPlay while parked (including Apple TV app hooks), though rollout will also depend on automakers adding support 4.

Showing off the new feature.
Showing off the new feature. — engadget.com

Sources

  1. Apple Warns macOS Users: Rosetta 2 Support Is Ending Soon [techrepublic.com] (2026-02-16)
  2. Apple's Podcasts app now supports HTTP Live Streaming video technology [engadget.com] (2026-02-16)
  3. Apple debuts iOS 26.4 beta 1 for developers, adding limited support for encrypted RCS messages, enhancements to Apple Music, a Smart List for Reminders, more (Chance Miller/9to5Mac) [techmeme.com] (2026-02-16)
  4. iOS 26.4 Lays Groundwork for CarPlay Video, Including Apple TV [macrumors.com] (2026-02-17)
  5. Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 1 [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  6. Apple Music 'Playlist Playground' in iOS 26.4 Creates Playlists From Text Prompts [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  7. Apple Begins Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  8. Apple Podcasts Getting Video Episodes in iOS 26.4 [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  9. Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to Developers [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  10. First macOS Tahoe 26.4 Beta Now Available for Developers [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  11. Apple Releases First watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 Betas [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  12. Apple Releases Beta 1 Of iOS 26.4 And More To Developers [redmondpie.com] (2026-02-16)
  13. iOS 26.4 beta introduces AI playlists for Apple Music [macworld.com] (2026-02-16)
  14. iOS 26.4 beta is out with no sign of the new Siri [macworld.com] (2026-02-16)
  15. iOS 26.4 beta 1: All the new features and changes [cultofmac.com] (2026-02-17)
  16. Apple introduces a new video podcast experience on Apple Podcasts - Apple [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  17. Apple starts testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messages on iPhone - The Verge [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  18. Apple Music in iOS 26.4 has new design for albums, playlists, and more - 9to5Mac [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  19. Apple starts testing end-to-end RCS encryption on iPhone, but without Android support [9to5google.com] (2026-02-16)
  20. Apple Music Playlist Playground among first new AI features in iOS 26.4 [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-16)
  21. New in iOS 26.4 beta 1: Videos in Podcasts, Playlist Playground, RCS, more [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-17)
  22. RCS encryption surfaces in iOS 26.4 developer beta, but testing is extremely limited [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-16)
  23. First iOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe developer betas surface as new Siri waits in the wings [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-16)
  24. iOS 26.4 beta 1: Here are the new iPhone features [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  25. iOS 26.4 beta adds new ‘Playlist Playground’ AI feature for Apple Music [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  26. Apple Music in iOS 26.4 has new design for albums, playlists, and more [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  27. iOS 26.4 redesigns Wallpaper Gallery [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  28. Apple Podcasts app gaining ‘enhanced video podcast experience’ in iOS 26.4 [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  29. iOS 26.4 beta adds support for testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  30. Apple releases beta 1 for watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4 [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  31. Apple releases macOS 26.4 beta 1, here’s what to expect [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  32. iPadOS 26.4 beta 1 is available now, here’s what to expect [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  33. Apple releases iOS 26.4 beta 1 for iPhone, here’s what’s new [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  34. macOS Tahoe 26.4 Displays Warnings for Apps That Won't Work After Rosetta 2 Support Ends [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  35. macOS Tahoe 26.4 Displays Warnings for Apps That Won't Work After Rosetta 2 Support Ends - MacRumors [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  36. macOS Tahoe 26.4 warns if your apps won't work when Rosetta 2 dies [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-16)
  37. macOS 26.4 will notify users of Rosetta 2 discontinuation [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  38. Apple Brings iPhone-Style Battery Charge Limits to the Mac in macOS Tahoe 26.4 [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  39. macOS Tahoe 26.4 adds a charge limit slider to preserve your MacBook battery [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-17)
  40. macOS 26.4 brings battery Charge Limit to the Mac and Shortcuts [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  41. iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default for All iPhones [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  42. iOS 26.4 has iPhone Stolen Device Protection on by default [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-16)
  43. iOS 26.4 will activate key theft prevention feature on all iPhones [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  44. visionOS 26.4 unlocks new ‘foveated streaming’ feature for apps and games - 9to5Mac [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  45. Streaming VR games, experiences, & applications made easier in visionOS 26.4 [appleinsider.com] (2026-02-17)
  46. visionOS 26.4 unlocks new ‘foveated streaming’ feature for apps and games [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)
  47. Compact Safari Tab Bar Returns in macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 [macrumors.com] (2026-02-16)
  48. macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 add compact tab bar in Safari - 9to5Mac [google.com] (2026-02-16)
  49. macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 add compact tab bar in Safari [9to5mac.com] (2026-02-16)

Highlights

  1. Creator monetization: Apple says the HLS-based video podcast system supports distribution through participating hosting providers and ad networks at launch—including Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands—and allows dynamic insertion of video ads 8.
  2. Music discovery: The iOS 26.4 beta adds “Playlist Playground,” which creates a 25-song playlist from a text prompt and lets users refine it with follow-up prompts. Apple Music also gets “Concerts Near You” and redesigned full-page artwork views 56251326.
  3. Siri timing: Multiple outlets say the more personalized Siri work Apple previewed earlier isn’t in iOS 26.4 beta 1 and could slip to iOS 26.5 or iOS 27 9143323.
  4. Vision Pro streaming: visionOS 26.4 adds a “Foveated Streaming” framework meant to make streamed apps and games more efficient by focusing rendering quality where the user is looking, with AppleInsider noting NVIDIA CloudXR support in the context of the feature 4546.

Today marks a defining milestone in that journey.

— Eddy Cue — MacRumors
macrumors.com
macrumors.com

Perspectives

Apple (Services leadership): Eddy Cue positions the shift to HLS-delivered video in Apple Podcasts as part of a broader push to give creators more control over how they distribute and monetize shows, while making it simpler for audiences to choose between watching and listening.

Apple (platform/security): Apple says Stolen Device Protection adds biometric-only access and security delays for sensitive actions, and iOS 26.4 will enable it by default rather than leaving it opt-in.

Android-focused coverage: 9to5Google highlights that iOS 26.4’s RCS end-to-end encryption testing does not yet work with Android, despite being a step toward cross-platform secure messaging.

Developer/auto ecosystem: MacRumors notes Apple’s CarPlay video approach appears designed to require automaker integration so playback can be restricted to parked use, addressing distracted-driving concerns.

AppleInsider (beta caveats): AppleInsider emphasizes that RCS encryption support is presently “extremely limited” in the iOS 26.4 developer beta, signaling a gradual rollout rather than immediate broad availability.

Historical Background

Apple began its transition from Intel Macs to Apple silicon with the first M1 Macs in 2020 and later completed the hardware shift with an Apple silicon Mac Pro 34. Apple has said macOS Tahoe will be the last macOS release to support Intel-based Macs, and Rosetta 2 support for translating Intel apps will end after macOS 27 3437.

Industry Impact

Timeline

1
June 2025
Apple says macOS Tahoe will be last Intel-supporting macOS 34.
2
WWDC 2025
Apple previews parked-only CarPlay video via AirPlay 4.
3
Monday
Apple seeds the first wave of 26.4 developer betas across iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS 9101133.
4
Spring
Apple targets iOS 26.4 public release timeframe 52.
5
September 2026
MacRumors says macOS 27 is expected to launch 34.

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