Apple is continuing to test iOS 26.4 beta, with the fourth beta now available for developers and public beta testers. This release doesn't introduce major features but brings new emoji characters along with some other tweaks. iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 beta 4 are the first betas that can be installed on the recently released iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air.
Apple iOS 26.4 Beta 4: New Features
New Emoji: Apple has introduced several new emoji characters, including Distorted Face, Hairy Creature, Treasure Chest, Trombone, Orca, Fight Cloud, and Landslide. New skin tone modifiers for people wrestling and dancers with bunny ears, plus a gender-neutral variant for the ballet dancer emoji, are available as well.
RCS End-To-End Encryption: Regarding RCS messaging, Apple has removed the end-to-end encryption beta option from iOS 26.4 beta 4. The feature supported encryption for both iPhone-to-iPhone RCS conversations and iPhone-to-Android ones. While iMessage already offers encryption, the eventual full rollout of RCS encryption will bring equivalent protection to iPhone-to-Android conversations.
‘Reduce Highlighting Effects' Changed To ‘Reduce Bright Effects': In accessibility settings, Apple has renamed the previous “Reduce Highlighting Effects” option to “Reduce Bright Effects.” The company provides an explanation for this feature, saying that it minimises highlighting and flashing when users interact with onscreen elements like buttons or keyboard.
How To Update To Apple iOS 26.4 Beta 4
For registered developers, updating to iOS 26.4 beta 4 is straightforward.
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Choose the iOS 26 Developer Beta option.
- Download and install the update.
Also read: iPhone 17e Goes On Sale March 11, But Apple Preparing For iPhone 18e Already
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