No new Siri, but iOS 26.4 is here with a ton of must-have new features
Apple has officially released iOS 26.4 to the public, bringing a noticeable set of new features. Unlike previous updates, this version focuses on improvements across Apple Music, Podcasts, Reminders, system enhancements, and the introduction of several new emoji.
While the long-awaited AI-powered Siri is still missing, iOS 26.4 delivers meaningful updates. Users will find enhancements in core apps, new functionalities like Playlist Playground, and accessibility improvements, making the overall iPhone experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Apple Music subscribers now have access to Playlist Playground. This AI-powered tool allows users to create playlists by simply describing what they want to hear, whether it’s songs, artists, or genres. It can also edit existing playlists and is currently available in the U.S.
A new Concerts feature helps Apple Music users discover nearby shows from artists in their library. It also recommends live shows from new artists based on listening habits, making it easier to find music events tailored to individual preferences.
Offline Music Recognition has been added to Control Center. Users can identify songs with Shazam even without an internet connection. Once the device reconnects, the recognized song appears immediately, providing convenience for music discovery without relying on real-time connectivity.
Apple Podcasts has also received improvements. The update enhances video podcast playback and introduces HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology, automatically adjusting video quality based on network conditions. Users can switch seamlessly between audio and video during playback.
iOS 26.4 introduces an Ambient Music widget for Apple Music. It provides quick access to curated playlists focusing on Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing. Full-screen album and playlist backgrounds enhance the interface, creating a more immersive experience for listeners.
Accessibility improvements include a new “Reduce Bright Effects” toggle, minimizing intense flashes in certain interface interactions. Subtitles and captions are easier to access and customize, and the “Reduce Motion” setting now consistently limits animations, particularly in the Liquid Glass interface.
iOS 26.4 adds eight new emoji characters, including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and a distorted face. These emojis are visible only to users who have updated their devices and can be used in messages or social media posts.
Freeform app updates now offer Creator Studio subscribers access to the Content Hub, featuring royalty-free photos, illustrations, and graphics. The Freeform app also has a refreshed icon aligning with the style of other Creator Studio applications.
Urgent reminders are easier to create in iOS 26.4. Users can mark tasks as urgent directly from the Quick Toolbar or with a long press. Urgent reminders can also be filtered using Smart Lists, improving task management and prioritization.
Family Sharing now allows each member to use their own payment method for purchases. Adult members in Family Sharing groups no longer have to rely on a single family organizer, making shared purchases more flexible and convenient.
Keyboard accuracy has been improved. iPhone users previously reported more typos in iOS 26, and iOS 26.4 addresses this by enhancing typing precision. While Apple did not specify the exact changes, users can expect fewer errors and a smoother typing experience.
Age verification requirements are now implemented in multiple regions, including Australia, Brazil, Singapore, and certain U.S. states. Apple may request additional information, such as account age or credit card details, to ensure users meet minimum age requirements for specific features.
iOS 26.4 also includes bug fixes, performance improvements, and enhanced security. To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and tap Update Now. This version is available for iPhone 11 and later, ensuring devices stay secure and up-to-date.
