iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Adds Major Privacy, Apple Music & EU Changes

Apple has released the first beta of iOS 26.4, and it’s a feature-heavy update.

This build focuses on:

• Stronger default security
• App redesigns across the system
• Apple Music expansion
• EU-specific interoperability features
• Utility upgrades for power users

Here’s everything new in iOS 26.4 Beta 1.

Security & Privacy Changes

One major shift:

• Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default for all users

That means enhanced identity checks and location-based restrictions are automatically active, reducing the risk of account takeover if a device is stolen.

No manual setup required.

Apple Account & iCloud Updates

Apple is consolidating account management:

• New unified Apple Account hub across:
  • App Store
  • Apple Music
  • Apple TV
  • Other services
• iCloud settings now include:
  • A direct iCloud.com section
  • A new “Allow Search” toggle

The goal appears to be simpler account visibility across services.

App Store Changes

Navigation gets adjusted:

• Search has moved to the bottom tab bar
• New splash screen appears on first launch of Apple Creator Studio

Subtle changes, but they alter daily navigation patterns.

Wallpaper & Watch Face Redesign

Both galleries get a major refresh:

• Fully redesigned Wallpaper Gallery
  • Organized categories
  • Server-based downloads
• Apple Watch Face Gallery now mirrors the same structure

Cleaner browsing. Better organization.

Apple Music Expands Deeply

The biggest visible upgrades land inside Apple Music:

• Full-screen albums and playlists
• Dynamic artwork color theming
• AI-generated playlists via “Playlist Playground”
• New “Concerts Near You” discovery section
• Music profile with name and photo
• Ambient Music widget for Home and Lock Screen

This turns Apple Music into a more visual, discovery-driven experience.

Apple Podcasts Upgrade

Inside Apple Podcasts:

• Full native video playback
• Offline downloads for video podcasts

This aligns the app closer to YouTube-style consumption.

Messages Improvements

In Messages:

• End-to-end encrypted RCS (iPhone-to-iPhone)
• New animated conversation launch effects

Messaging becomes more secure and slightly more dynamic.

Reminders & Productivity

In Reminders:

• New “Urgent” smart list
• Automatic alarms for high-priority tasks

This helps surface time-sensitive items without manual tagging.

Freeform & Shortcuts Updates

For power users:

• Freeform gains:
  • Creator Studio Content Hub
  • Brand new app icon
• Shortcuts adds:
  • Charge limit control action
  • Weather location-based triggers

More automation flexibility.

EU-Exclusive Changes

Under EU regulations, Apple adds:

• Notification forwarding to one third-party wearable
• Proximity pairing for third-party accessories

These changes improve ecosystem openness within the region.

iPad & Localization

• Compact Safari tab bar option returns on iPad
• New Indian English localization added

Subtle, but meaningful for regional users.

iOS 26.4 Beta 1 isn’t just a patch update.

It pushes:

• Default security upgrades
• Service integration
• Apple Music evolution
• Regional compliance improvements

If you care about privacy, automation, or music features, this beta delivers noticeable changes.