Quick Brief
- iOS 26.4 Beta 2, build 23E5218e, was seeded to developers on February 23, 2026
- RCS end-to-end encryption now extends to iPhone-to-Android conversations, a first for Apple
- Apple Music gains AI-powered Playlist Playground and a redesigned album and playlist view
- Stolen Device Detection is now enabled by default, closing a long-standing security gap
Apple has raised the stakes for its mid-cycle update, and iOS 26.4 Beta 2 proves it. This release delivers meaningful changes across messaging security, music discovery, and device protection that affect every iPhone user, not just developers. What follows is a verified breakdown of every confirmed change and its real-world impact.
What iOS 26.4 Beta 2 Changes
Apple seeded iOS 26.4 Beta 2 (build 23E5218e) to registered developers on February 23, 2026. iPadOS 26.4 Beta 2 shipped simultaneously, carrying the same feature set across both platforms. The update is available through Settings > General > Software Update for enrolled developer devices.
This beta does not introduce new Siri capabilities. Instead, the focus falls on three pillars: cross-platform messaging security, AI-native music experiences, and system-level protections enabled by default.
RCS Encryption Now Reaches Android
iOS 26.4 Beta 2 enables end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations between iPhone and Android devices. During Beta 1, Apple tested RCS E2EE only between Apple devices with iMessage turned off. Beta 2 opens that same encryption to Android recipients, marking the first time iPhone-to-Android messages can be fully secured in transit.
Apple worked with the GSM Association (GSMA) to implement this encryption standard. Android’s RCS implementation already supports E2EE for Android-to-Android texts, but no cross-platform encryption existed until this beta.
When encryption is active, compatible message threads display a visible “encrypted” label inside the Messages app, confirming messages cannot be read while sent between devices. Availability remains limited during the beta period, as not all devices or carriers support the feature yet.
This Feature Is Not Shipping in iOS 26.4
Apple’s official developer release notes state directly: “This feature is not shipping in this release and will be available to customers in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 releases.” This beta exists to stress-test the interoperability required to secure texts, media, and attachments sent outside Apple’s ecosystem before a public rollout.
Android recipients must use the latest version of Google Messages to exchange encrypted RCS messages with iPhone users. iPhone users need iOS 26.4 Beta 2 installed to participate in the cross-platform E2EE test.
Apple Music Gets AI-Powered Updates
Playlist Playground is the standout Apple Music feature in iOS 26.4. It allows users to generate custom playlists using a text-based prompt, targeting a mood, activity, or idea directly within the app. This positions Apple Music in direct competition with Spotify’s AI DJ and Amazon Music’s generative playlist tools.
iOS 26.4 also introduces a redesigned album and playlist view inside Apple Music. These changes arrive as confirmed features across both Beta 1 and Beta 2 of iOS 26.4.
Stolen Device Detection Enabled by Default
iOS 26.4 enables Stolen Device Detection by default for all devices. This is confirmed as a distinct feature name used in Apple’s 2026 iOS 26.4 update, separate from the older Stolen Device Protection feature introduced in iOS 17.3. Enabling it by default means users no longer need to manually activate the feature in Settings.
Per-Device Hotspot Data Tracking
iOS 26.4 adds per-device data usage reports for Personal Hotspot connections. Users sharing their iPhone’s connection with multiple devices can now monitor exactly how much data each connected device consumed. This addresses a practical gap for users in India and the US who share mobile data across family or work devices under a capped plan.
Video Podcast Experience
Apple is also testing an enhanced video podcast experience in iOS 26.4. This feature is confirmed as under development and active in the beta. Full details on its interface and capabilities are expected to emerge in later betas as 9to5Mac and other outlets complete device testing.
CarPlay Video Support Progress
iOS 26.4 Beta 2 continues development of CarPlay video support, which was introduced as part of the iOS 26 cycle. No final feature specifications have been confirmed for this capability yet, and it remains in active development within this beta.
Limitations and Considerations
iOS 26.4 Beta 2 carries important limitations. RCS end-to-end encryption will not ship in the iOS 26.4 final release. Carrier and device compatibility restrictions apply during the beta period. The beta is restricted to registered Apple developer accounts. Installing on a primary device carries the standard risk of instability, and Apple recommends using a secondary device for beta testing.
iOS 26.4 Beta 2 vs iOS 26.3: Key Differences
| Area | iOS 26.3 | iOS 26.4 Beta 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | No cross-platform RCS E2EE | iPhone-to-Android RCS E2EE in testing (not shipping yet) |
| Apple Music | Standard playlist tools | AI Playlist Playground + redesigned album and playlist views |
| Device Security | Stolen Device Detection optional | Stolen Device Detection on by default |
| Podcasts | Audio-first experience | Enhanced video podcast experience in testing |
| CarPlay | Existing feature set | Video support in active development |
| Hotspot | Total usage only | Per-device data usage reports |
How to Install iOS 26.4 Beta 2
- Enroll your Apple ID at developer.apple.com under the iOS beta program
- Open Settings on your iPhone and go to General > Software Update
- Enable “Beta Updates” and select “iOS 26.4 Developer Beta”
- Download and install; ensure at least 50% battery and a Wi-Fi connection
- After installation, confirm the build number reads 23E5218e under Settings > General > About
Back up your device to iCloud or Finder before installing any beta. Apple does not support downgrading from beta to a stable release without a full device restore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does iOS 26.4 Beta 2 RCS encryption work with Android users right now?
Yes, iPhone-to-Android RCS encryption is active for testing in Beta 2. iPhone users need iOS 26.4 Beta 2 installed, and Android recipients must use the latest version of Google Messages. However, Apple confirmed it will not ship in the final iOS 26.4 release. Carrier and device availability restrictions also apply during testing.
What is Apple Music Playlist Playground in iOS 26.4?
Playlist Playground is an AI feature that generates custom playlists from a text prompt describing a mood, activity, or idea. It is available within the Apple Music app starting with iOS 26.4, confirmed across both Beta 1 and Beta 2. No separate subscription upgrade is required beyond an existing Apple Music subscription.
What is Stolen Device Detection in iOS 26.4?
Stolen Device Detection is a security feature that iOS 26.4 now enables by default on all devices. Previously, users had to activate it manually in Settings. This change ensures every eligible iPhone is protected without requiring any user action after updating.
Will RCS end-to-end encryption reach all users in iOS 26.4?
No. Apple’s official release notes confirm the feature will not ship in iOS 26.4. It will reach users in a future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, or watchOS 26 release after the current beta testing phase concludes.
What changed in Apple Music with iOS 26.4?
iOS 26.4 brings two confirmed Apple Music changes: an AI-powered Playlist Playground feature and a redesigned album and playlist view. Both are active in Beta 2 and available to developer testers.
Did Apple and Google collaborate on RCS encryption?
Apple worked with the GSM Association (GSMA) to implement the end-to-end encryption standard for RCS. Google’s Messages app already supported E2EE for Android-to-Android conversations. This collaboration extends that protection to cross-platform iPhone-to-Android messaging for the first time.
What is the Personal Hotspot change in iOS 26.4?
iOS 26.4 adds per-device data usage reports to Personal Hotspot. Instead of seeing only a total data figure, users can view how much data each individually connected device has consumed during a hotspot session.
Does iOS 26.4 Beta 2 include new Siri features?
No. iOS 26.4 Beta 2 ships without new Siri capabilities. Apple has not announced which future release will carry the next Siri update.
