iOS 26.4 Beta Adds New Features Without Siri Overhaul

Refined features arrive as Siri upgrade stays on hold: iOS 26.4 beta introduces several usability upgrades, security refinements and media enhancements. However, Apple’s much-anticipated AI-powered Siri redesign is missing. The release signals a strategy of shipping incremental improvements while the company stabilises its next-generation assistant for a later update.

Siri overhaul pushed further: The new Siri, expected to deliver deeper app control, personal context awareness and advanced AI actions, remains delayed. Internal testing reportedly exposed accuracy and speed issues. Apple is prioritising reliability, indicating the assistant will roll out in phases rather than through a single flagship release.

Messaging and privacy moves: Apple has begun testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, marking a shift toward secure cross-platform communication. Stolen Device Protection becomes stricter, requiring biometric authentication for sensitive changes outside trusted locations. These updates reinforce Apple’s privacy-first positioning while modernising its messaging infrastructure.

Media and entertainment upgrades: Apple Music and Podcasts gain smarter controls, including multi-playlist song additions, smoother audio-video switching and AI-assisted playlist creation in testing. An ambient music widget enables quick playback. The focus remains on frictionless consumption and deeper integration across Apple’s content ecosystem.

Productivity and daily-use features: Reminders now highlights urgent tasks with automatic alerts. Health introduces an average bedtime metric. Shortcuts adds battery charge-limit actions. Hotspot settings show real-time data usage. These refinements target everyday convenience, turning routine interactions into faster, more contextual experiences.

Platform and ecosystem signals: A unified Apple Account hub appears across apps, while Freeform gains a creator-focused premium space with AI image tools. CarPlay code hints at AirPlay video playback when parked. EU-specific interoperability features reflect regulatory compliance and Apple’s gradual platform opening.

Strategic meaning for Apple’s AI push: iOS 26.4 prioritises stability over spectacle. By delaying Siri’s transformation, Apple avoids a flawed AI debut but risks perception of falling behind competitors. The update strengthens infrastructure, suggesting the real contest will begin when a reliable, deeply integrated Siri finally ships.

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