Apple Seeds watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 RCs to Developers

Apple has seeded the Release Candidate builds of watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, and HomePod Software 26.4 to developers for testing. These updates arrive alongside the corresponding Release Candidates for iOS and iPadOS, indicating that a broader public launch is imminent.



For the Apple Watch, the watchOS 26.4 update (build 23T239) introduces eight new emoji characters to the keyboard, including an orca, a trombone, a landslide, a ballet dancer, and a distorted face. It also brings a practical adjustment to the Workout app, adding a new workout type icon that allows users to start a session with a single tap.


Apple has not yet published detailed release notes for the other platforms, but the beta cycle gave a clear indication of what to expect. On the headset side, visionOS 26.4 (build 23O244) integrates backend support for the new HLS video podcasts format. This update allows the native Apple Podcasts app to handle adaptive streaming and dynamic ad insertion for video episodes.

The updates for the living room carry build number 23L240 for both tvOS and HomePod. Earlier test builds of tvOS 26.4 showed Apple continuing to clean up the interface by removing the legacy iTunes Movies and TV Shows apps from the Home Screen. The software also adds a Continuous Audio Connection toggle to the settings menu. This feature is designed to encapsulate audio output to help prevent dropouts and popping sounds when switching formats on external soundbars and receivers.

Registered developers can download the new software by checking the Software Update section in Settings on their respective devices. The watchOS update must be initiated through the Watch app on a paired iPhone.