2 hours ago
Last Updated:February 18, 2026, 08:37 IST
The iOS 26.4 beta 1 update was waited for the big Siri AI release but Apple seems to have delayed those plans.
The iOS 26.4 beta 1 update is finally here for all iPhone users
Apple has rolled out the new iOS 26.4 beta 1 update for iPhone users this week and surprisingly, there is no sign of Siri AI (yet) or Apple AI tools going for the juggernaut. This is the first beta of iOS 26.4 so we still hope to see things improve with the future beta versions but all the excitement around Siri AI making its way in some form this month has been dashed by the company with its new release.
So if not Siri, what does the iOS 26.4 beta 1 offer, there are plenty of other changes and some useful features which iPhone users might like when it comes with the full release this year.
iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Update: New Features Coming
Apple’s AI Music Playlist
Apple is offering its own AI version of music playlist that you can create with text-based prompts. YouTube and Spotify have offered the same option in their own twist and now the iOS 26.4 beta 1 is giving us a preview of this feature with Apple Music.
Stolen Device Protection Always-On
Apple is keeping this security feature enabled by default which was previously turned off and people had to set it up from the device security settings.
End-to-End Encryption For Apple Messages
Apple is testing the highest level of encryption for RCS chats but only for the Messages app which means chats between Android and iOS devices will be secure to the level of iMessage content from the company. The beta tests mean we could see it officially released later this year.
Urgent Reminders
Apple is giving a more clear warning for iPhone users with the new urgent label in the Reminders app. This version of reminder on iOS 26.4 beta 1 will have another urgent alarm for the user.
Some EU Love
Apple is bringing third-party alert forwarding which means the messages or calls from your iPhone can be forwarded to an Android smartwatch. This is part of the EU-Apple tussle which opened up more features for users in the region. If you enable this for your number, the Apple Watch will be disabled from showing you the alerts.
iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Update: How To Install
Follow these steps to install the iOS 26.4 beta 1 update on your iPhone:
Go to Settings Tap on Software updateCheck for new iOS 26.4 beta 1 updateAuthenticate via passcode to install the versionReboot the iPhone to get the new beta 1 updateApple is likely to offer more AI tools and hopefully Siri AI in the future iOS 26.4 beta updates this year.
Handpicked stories, in your inbox
A newsletter with the best of our journalism
Location :
Delhi, India, India
First Published:
February 18, 2026, 08:37 IST
News tech iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Update Is Now Available For iPhone Users: How To Install And What’s New
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Read More
