5 Important Changes in iOS 26.4 Beta

Published: 20 Feb 2026

While the 26.3 updates went largely unnoticed, these new changes bring noticeable improvements.

By: MPG News

iOS 26.4 beta features on iPhone screens

Apple has released the first developer and public betas for iOS 26.4 beta. These updates also include improvements to macOS and iPadOS. Unlike the smaller 26.3 update, this beta brings major features and useful changes.

Beta updates give a preview of what is coming. Some features may change before the final release. First betas can have minor bugs, so use them carefully.

Table of Content

Charging Limits for MacBooks
End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages
Safari’s Compact Tab Bar Returns
Stolen Device Protection On by Default
Rosetta 2 Phasing Out
Other Features in iOS 26.4 Beta
Final Thoughts

Charging Limits for MacBooks

macOS 26.4, part of the iOS 26.4 beta cycle, introduces a new slider to set a maximum battery charge for MacBooks. Before this, macOS used Optimized Battery Charging, which limited charging to 80% automatically to extend battery life. Now, users can manually set a limit from 80% to 100%, in 5% steps.

Tip: Limiting your charge slightly reduces daily battery life but helps the battery last longer over time.

End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages

Apple is testing encryption for RCS messages in iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. RCS is the messaging standard used by most Android phones. Apple previously only supported iMessage encryption. Encrypted RCS messages now show a lock icon when messaging between Apple devices. Future updates will allow editing, recalling, and replying inline—features previously exclusive to iMessage.

Example: Text a friend using Apple devices with RCS, and your chat is secure and private.

Safari’s Compact Tab Bar Returns

The Compact tab view returns in macOS and iPadOS 26.4. This design combines the address bar and tabs into one, giving more space to view web pages. Previously, Apple removed this option for Mac and iPad, though it remained on iPhone.

Question: Do you like more space for web pages or a bigger tab bar?

Stolen Device Protection On by Default

iOS 26.4 beta makes Stolen Device Protection active by default. It requires Face ID or Touch ID to access sensitive information, even if someone knows your passcode. Turning it off needs multiple biometric checks and a waiting period. This extra layer of security is helpful for travelers or people worried about theft.

Tip: Keep this feature on when using your iPhone in public areas.

Rosetta 2 Phasing Out

Apple’s Rosetta 2, which allowed Intel apps to run on Apple Silicon Macs, is starting to phase out. macOS 26.4 will show warnings when opening Intel-native apps and guide users to Apple Silicon versions. Full removal will come in macOS 28.

Example: Older Intel-based apps or games will show a notification suggesting an update for Apple Silicon.

Other Features in iOS 26.4 Beta

Playlist Playground: Apple Music users can create playlists using text prompts.
Video Podcasts: Native support added to the Podcasts app.
Creator Studio in Freeform: Access stock and AI-generated images for subscribers.

The new intelligent Siri, promised in iOS 18, is still delayed until 2026 to improve quality.

Final Thoughts

The iOS 26.4 beta offers major improvements in battery management, messaging security, Safari usability, and device protection. These updates make Apple devices smarter, safer, and easier to use.