iOS 26.4 Beta Drops With Encrypted RCS and More
Apple rolls out iOS 26.4 beta 1 to developers with encrypted RCS messaging, Apple Music upgrades, and smart Reminders.
Apple just pushed iOS 26.4 beta 1 out to developers, and it's packed with goodies. The headline feature: limited support for encrypted RCS messages. That's Apple finally inching toward making cross-platform texting less of a security nightmare.
Beyond the messaging upgrade, the beta brings enhancements to Apple Music and introduces a Smart List feature for Reminders. Apple describes the update as containing a "ton" of new features and changes for iPhone users, though specifics beyond the headliners remain to be fully cataloged as developers dig in.
The encrypted RCS support is notably "limited" for now — don't expect full parity with iMessage encryption just yet. But it signals Apple is actively building out the RCS experience after initially dragging its feet on the standard.
Developers can grab the beta now. No public beta timeline announced yet.