iOS 26.4 beta 2 rolling out with end-to-end encryption with RCS and other features

Apple has released iOS 26.4 beta 2 to developers, focusing on security testing for messages and visual improvements that aim to make everyday interactions feel smoother and more modern.

The update now enables end-to-end encryption on RCS chats between iPhone and Android devices. You can send texts that stay private during transit, and this feature is currently available in beta when the recipient is using the latest Google Messages app. Apple plans to expand it later, but this step already improves cross-platform security.

Design enhancements shine on the liquid glass. Edit menus on the home screen turn more translucent with crisper edges, while Control Center submenus adopt a full dark-tinted glass effect that improves contrast and depth. Search areas in the App Store and Games app shift to cleaner layouts that recall earlier iOS styles, so navigation feels familiar yet fresh.

Apple Music now has the Playlist Playground tool. You need to type a description of the mood or genre you want, and it will build custom song lists on the go. The Podcasts app is receiving updated splash screens that highlight video episodes better, plus easier offline controls. On the other hand, Freeform has added a small enhancements that help with shapes and layouts.

Besides new features, iOS 26.4 beta 2 fixes bugs for issues detected in the beta 1 software. Charging now stays stable without drops, keyboard response rate has been optimized, wallpaper colors look balanced instead of oversaturated, and system data no longer grows out of control.

Furthermore, the update has improved the device’s overload capacity, keeping it cool on longer runs. Meanwhile, iPhone 17 users might see a slight improvement in battery performance compared to the previous build.

This beta comes just a week after Beta 1, which shows quick progress in Apple’s iOS 26.4 lineup. Along with this new release, Apple has also rolled out beta 2 for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and the rest of the lineup at the same time, keeping everything in sync.

Developers check official notes on the Apple site for new APIs around background assets, memory protection options, and StoreKit fields that help apps run more reliably.

If you want to download this new beta, go to Settings > General and change the software mode to developer beta under the software update menu. This update is expected to launch in public beta soon.