Apple launched the second beta for iOS 26.4 exclusively for developers. The most awaited feature is end-to-end encryption RCS between iPhone and Android. It’s not the definitive version but it’s the first time developers can see it in action. The new iOS 26.4 beta 2 also includes modifications to Liquid Glass, changes in several apps and accessibility improvements that may pass unnoticed.
If you are not a developer the public beta iOS 26.4 2 should arrive a little further ahead. However, the final version will arrive on April so you can start testing out the new features.
iOS 26.4 introduces end-to-end encryption between Android and iPhone new features
This is the star of the updates in the new beta 2 for iOS 26.4. Apple activated the testing for RCS end-to-end encryption between iPhone and Android devices. When the encryption is active the messages will show a padlock icon in the conversation.
The iMessage app has always offered end-to-end encryption between iPhone devices. But Android uses its own encryption between devices. Now Apple introduces RCS encryption between devices thanks to the newest beta 2 of iOS 26.4. It’s the first step to achieve it.
There are certain limitations to take into account. First of all, the new feature is not available for all devices and operators yet. You need to install iOS 26.4 and Android phone should also include the latest version of Google Messages. On the other hand, Apple is not planning to activate the feature definitely in iOS 26.4 so we may have to wait for improvements along the year.
Liquid Glass new details in the settings menu for the home screen
One of the visual changes on the beta 2 for iOS 26.4 is on the Edit menu in the home screen. It’s a more transparent version, not a revolution but a demonstration that Apple is working to find the perfect visual style. Maybe it’s one of the main worries for the new Steve Lemay era on design.
Other changes in iOS 26.4 beta 2
Along the main changes, there are also other minor updates on iOS 26.4 beta 2. For example on the Games app as well as Apple Music and App Store. The following is a complete list of all changes.
- Games app introduces a new movement downside up on screen for a more intuitive and comfortable interaction.
- App Store and Apple Music Apple Account in the hub is aligned to the left and there’s a new rainbow icon on Settings.ç
- In the Screen and text side option for screen there’s a new accessibility option called Reduce highlighting effects.
- Update your iOS and you will see the compilation number easily. It’s a good improvement specially for app developers.
- Automatic betas disabled. Apple will send you back to the public channel if you haven’t updated to a beta version in four months. It’s a security measure to avoid beta channels with no feedback.
Emojis and Playground in Playlists still exclusive to USA
In iOS 26.4 beta 1 there was code indicating new emojis. However, beta 2 doesn’t include them. The new emojis were officialy presented last year and Apple usually introduces them on .4 updates. There’s still time for including them in new betas There’s no clue about Playlists Playground for Apple Music either. It’s a feature available only in USA. It’s a new feature to create playlists in Apple Music using Artificial Intelligence.
How to install beta 2 for iOS 26.4
If you are a developer you can download the beta from developer.apple.com. If you are not, the public beta should arrive shortly and you need to register in beta.apple.com with your Apple ID. Then you go to Settings – General – Software update and enable beta updates. There you can select the iOS 26.4 beta public 2.
Remember that beta version can present issues. It’s preferable to install it in a secondary device or making a good backup copy to avoid errors.
iOS 26.4 is getting near the final versión. End-to-end encryption between Android and iPhone is a great feature and most awaited. However, there’s still expectation about the new emojis and other features for the final versión in April.