iOS 26.4 released: New features, how to install and what’s missing

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.4 to the general public, bringing a range of new features and improvements, though one highly anticipated upgrade is absent.

Despite earlier expectations, the update does not include a revamped Siri. This only means that Apple’s next-generation voice assistant will instead debut with iOS 26.5 or be pushed further to iOS 27 later this year.

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Still, iOS 26.4 delivers meaningful updates across Apple Music, accessibility, and system features. Here are the update notes:

Apple Music

One of the biggest highlights in iOS 26.4 is a major update to Apple Music, introducing several new tools designed to enhance discovery and personalisation:

• Playlist Playground (beta): Create playlists using simple text prompts, complete with titles and tracklists

• Concerts: Discover nearby live shows and get recommendations based on your listening habits

• Offline Music Recognition: Identify songs even without internet, results appear once you reconnect

• Ambient Music widget: Access curated playlists for sleep, relaxation, productivity, and wellbeing

• Full-screen visuals: More immersive album and playlist backgrounds

Accessibility improvements and usability upgrades

Apple continues to expand accessibility features with iOS 26.4, including:

• Reduce bright effects: Minimises flashes when interacting with UI elements

• Improved subtitle controls: Easier access and customisation while watching content

• Enhanced Reduce Motion: Better handling of animations, especially with the Liquid Glass interface

New emoji and system enhancements

The update also brings a range of smaller but notable additions:

• 8 new emoji, including an orca, trombone, ballet dancer, landslide, and distorted face

• Updates to Freeform, with advanced image creation tools and a premium content library via Apple Creator Studio

• Ability to mark reminders as urgent and filter them easily

• Purchase Sharing improvements, allowing family members to use their own payment methods

• Improved keyboard accuracy, especially when typing quickly

How to download iOS 26.4

If you haven’t received the update automatically, you can install it manually by following these steps:

1. Open Settings

2. Tap General

3. Select Software Update

4. Follow the on-screen instructions

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and has sufficient battery before starting the update.

While iOS 26.4 introduces a solid set of features, the absence of Siri upgrades is the biggest talking point.

With Apple expected to focus heavily on AI at upcoming events like WWDC, many users may now have to wait until iOS 27 to see a truly next-generation Siri experience.

Written by

Husain Rizvi

Husain Rizvi is a Senior Features Writer who covers entertainment and lifestyle stories and has a profound interest in tech (games) and sports. When he’s not working, you can find him at the gym, or finishing a boss fight in a video game.