First Beta of macOS Tahoe 26.4 & iOS 26.4 Released for Testing
Apple has released the first beta versions of macOS Tahoe 26.4, ipadOS 26.4, iOS 26.4, along with the rest of the OS 26.4 beta suite.
The new betas are available now to registered developers and soon after for public beta testers.
In the first beta builds, macOS Tahoe 26.4, ipadOS 26.4, iOS 26.4 all introduce a few changes and minor features, including things like end-to-end encryption for RCS messaging (for texting with compatible Android devices that are non-iMessage users), a redesigned wallpaper settings section in iOS/iPadOS, new battery charge options on macOS, video podcast support in the Podcasts app, the return of compact tab bar options in iPadOS and macOS, and more. Presumably bug fixes and security patches will also be included as well.
Apple has a special event scheduled for Wednesday March 4, in which it’s likely that new updated hardware will be unveiled, though it’s unclear if those new devices will ship with existing OS 26.3 versions or the upcoming OS 26.4. Since Apple usually goes through multiple iterations of beta development before releasing a final version, 26.3 is more likely, unless the 26.4 updates are accelerated or the updated hardware doesn’t ship until late March.
Aside from the new betas, the most recent stable builds of system software are currently macOS Tahoe 26.3, iOS 26.3, and iPadOS 26.3.
Those enrolled under the beta testing programs can find the new beta builds available on their registered devices.
How to Download iOS 26.4 Beta 1 / iPadOS 26.4 Beta 1
For iPhone and iPad users:
- Open the “Settings” app
- Go to “General” and then to “Software Update”
- Choose to download and install iOS 26.4 beta / iPadOS 26.4 beta
How to Download MacOS Tahoe 26.4 Beta
For Mac users:
- From the Apple menu, go to “System Settings”
- Select “General” and then go to “Software Update”
- Choose to update now for MacOS Tahoe 26.4 beta
Given that Apple goes through several beta builds before releasing a final version, it’s most likely that the final versions of iOS 26.4 and macOS Tahoe 26.4 won’t be released until perhaps later in March, though it’s always possible that the updates will come sooner than that. Only Apple knows the release timeline, but we’ll keep you posted as we learn more.
