Apple's iOS 26.4 arrives in public beta with AI music playlists, video podcasts, and more | TechCrunch

TechCrunch

by Lauren Forristal, Sarah Perez

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Apple has released iOS 26.4, a major update featuring several cutting-edge enhancements designed to elevate user experience across its ecosystem. Among the standout updates is a new AI-powered "Playlist Playground" feature in Apple Music, which allows users to generate custom playlists from text prompts. Additionally, the Podcasts app now supports video episodes, enabling creators to publish content through HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) and offering seamless switching between audio and video playback. The update also introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging, marking a significant step toward secure communication across devices. The "Playlist Playground" feature in Apple Music is particularly noteworthy, as it leverages AI to create personalized playlists based on user prompts such as "upbeat workout mix" or "calm evening." This addition not only enhances the music discovery experience but also refreshes the app's interface with full-screen album artwork. Meanwhile, the Podcasts app's integration of video episodes represents a competitive move against platforms like Spotify, offering creators dynamic ad insertion capabilities and high-quality video playback. The inclusion of HLS ensures videos adapt to varying network conditions, improving performance on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks. Another key innovation in iOS 26.4 is the introduction of end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging during testing phases. This feature aims to provide secure communication comparable to iMessage, though it is currently limited to iPhone users in beta testing. Additionally, Apple Music's "Concerts Near You" section helps users discover live events by filtering based on location and genre, while Stolen Device Protection adds an extra layer of

Verticals

techstartups

Originally published on TechCrunch on 2/20/2026