Apple Releases iOS 26.4 RC With New Apple Music Features, Emoji, and More

Apple has released the Release Candidate (RC) version of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, giving developers and public beta testers a near-final look at the update before its official rollout. The build, labeled 23E244, typically represents the final version unless any last-minute issues are discovered.

This update brings a mix of new features, quality-of-life improvements, and refinements across apps like Apple Music, Reminders, and Freeform, along with updates to accessibility and system behavior.

Apple Music Gets Smarter and More Personalized

Apple Music sees some of the most notable changes in iOS 26.4.

A new feature called Playlist Playground allows users to generate custom playlists simply by typing a description. The system creates a full playlist, including a title, description, and curated tracklist based on the input.

Apple has also introduced a Concerts section, helping users discover nearby live events from artists they already listen to while recommending new artists based on their preferences.

Another useful addition is the ability to identify songs while offline. A new Control Center toggle can recognize music even without a connection and provide results once the device reconnects.

The app also gains an Ambient Music widget, offering curated playlists for different moods like Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. These playlists are paired with full-screen background artwork for a more immersive experience.

New Emoji and Creative Tools

iOS 26.4 introduces eight new emoji, including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and a distorted face, giving users more ways to express themselves in conversations.

The Freeform app also receives an upgrade, adding advanced image creation and editing tools. It now includes access to a premium content library as part of Apple’s Creator Studio subscription, expanding its usefulness for brainstorming and creative projects.

Improvements to Everyday Features

Apple is also refining several everyday tools to make them more flexible.

Purchase Sharing has been updated so adult members in Family Sharing groups can use their own payment methods instead of relying on the family organizer. This adds more independence while keeping shared access intact.

The Reminders app now allows tasks to be marked as urgent directly from the Quick Toolbar or by pressing and holding. Users can also filter urgent tasks in Smart Lists for better organization.

Apple has also improved keyboard accuracy, especially when typing quickly, making everyday interactions smoother.

Accessibility Enhancements

Accessibility continues to be a focus in this update.

A new setting allows users to minimize bright flashes in the interface, which can help reduce discomfort for those sensitive to sudden visual changes.

Apple has also refined the Reduce Motion setting so it more consistently limits animations tied to the Liquid Glass interface.

Subtitle and caption settings are now easier to access. Users can adjust and preview them directly from the captions icon while watching content, simplifying customization.

Features Introduced Earlier in the Beta Cycle

Earlier versions of the iOS 26.4 beta introduced additional features that are expected to carry into the final release.

These include support for third-party voice AI apps in CarPlay and end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging with Android users, marking a step forward in cross-platform messaging security.

Siri Overhaul Still Missing

One notable absence from iOS 26.4 is the long-rumored Siri upgrade.

Reports suggest Apple has delayed its next-generation, AI-powered Siri features due to internal performance challenges. These enhancements are now expected to arrive in a future update, possibly later in the iOS 26 cycle or beyond.

Final Steps Before Public Release

With the Release Candidate now available, the public rollout of iOS 26.4 is likely just around the corner.

As usual, Apple is focusing on refining its ecosystem with smarter features, better personalization, and improved usability. While this update doesn’t introduce major headline-grabbing changes like a redesigned Siri, it brings meaningful improvements that enhance the overall experience across iPhone and iPad.