Apple Releases iOS 26.4 Beta 3 and iPadOS 26.4 Beta 3 to Developers [Download]

Apple has seeded the third beta versions of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to developers for testing. The updates carry build number 23E5223f and arrive just over a week after the second round of developer betas.



The iOS 26.4 cycle has already delivered several functional changes. In the initial beta, Apple enabled Stolen Device Protection by default to strengthen account security. Apple Music gained full-screen album artwork and a new section for tracking upcoming concerts from favorite artists. Apple Podcasts also moved to HTTP Live Streaming on the backend to improve playback reliability and support dynamic video ad insertion.


The update also allows third-party AI apps to run natively inside the CarPlay dashboard. Drivers can access platforms like ChatGPT and Google Gemini from their vehicle's display, although the apps must still be launched manually and cannot replace Siri across the system.

In the second beta, Apple began testing end-to-end encryption for RCS chats between iPhones and Android devices. Secured conversations display a lock icon when both participants are running compatible software. Testers also noticed a handful of interface tweaks, including a reorganized Wallpaper Gallery, proper Dark Mode support for Control Center popups, and a layout shift for the App Store search bar.

As is typical, the third beta is expected to focus on stability and bug fixes rather than major new additions. We are installing the update now and will report back if anything new surfaces.

Still missing from the iOS 26.4 cycle is the anticipated Siri overhaul. Apple had been expected to roll out significant AI enhancements this spring, but recent internal testing reportedly uncovered performance issues, pushing those broader generative upgrades to a later release.


Registered developers can download the update from the Apple Developer Center or through Software Update in Settings.

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