This spring you can download and install several software updates including iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4 and watchOS 26.4 for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. You could also test the updates and fix various bugs, but also add new features.
The most important additions are Playlist Playground for the Music app, support for videos in Podscats, setting a battery charge limit for MacBook and more. We list all the new options for you.
Adjustments for Music
In iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, the Music app receives several notable updates, focusing on a more contemporary design and smarter features for Apple Music. The most notable change is the new full-screen design for albums and playlists, where the album art and matching colors flow seamlessly throughout the page, making for a contemporary and calmer experience.
In addition, Apple has introduced a new “Concerts” section, which you can find on the Search page. Concerts shows the tour dates of your favorite artists and local performances based on your location, including direct links to ticket sales.
Playlist Playground Apple Music
In addition to a new view, Apple introduces the option in the Music app: Playlist Playgroundan Apple Intelligence-powered tool that generates playlists via text prompts such as “70s disco songs” or “relaxed Sunday afternoon music,” including suggestions and a maximum of 25 songs; This feature is currently limited to the US and will likely be rolled out to other countries (languages) later.
Videos in Podcasts
Now you can also watch videos directly in the Podcasts app, a handy extension that helps Apple close the gap between audio and video content. Previously the Podcasts app was limited to listening experiences only, but now the app also supports built-in video playback options for podcasts with visual elements, such as interviews and live recordings. These stream seamlessly from your Apple Music or podcast subscription without having to switch to an external player.
Universal Apple Account profile
Apple is introducing a universal Apple Account profile that provides a consistent and streamlined experience across all Apple apps, such as the App Store, Music app and Settings. Where previously each app had its own account layout with varying navigation and options, it now uses one unified interface.
The new Apple Account Profile lets you quickly find your account settings, subscriptions, payment information and security options, allowing you to switch between services faster without repeated logins or inconsistent menus.
You can easily customize your profile via the settings app by tapping your name. Then all data is synced to iCloud, as well as all your devices and apps. In the App Store, Music, Podcasts, etc., you can quickly view your profile by tapping your profile photo. The interface is universal and consistent across all apps, making it easy to add balances and view app-specific settings.
Anti-theft measures enabled by default
The iPhone is less attractive to thieves due to various anti-theft measures. With features like Find My iPhone and Lost Mode, it’s almost impossible to use a stolen iPhone. Since the release of iOS 17.3, this protection has been further expanded with additional protection for stolen devices (Stolen Device Protection).
This new feature allows important data to be changed or used only with Face ID or Touch ID instead of a passcode. Even if a thief knows the passcode, it won’t be possible to make adjustments such as changing your Apple Account password or restoring your iPhone. The anti-theft measures were initially optional, but will be enabled by default from iOS 26.4 for additional security with biometric data and a delay in the event of theft.
Set battery charge limit for Mac
In macOS 26.4, it is now possible, just like on the iPhone and iPad, to set a fixed charging limit between 80% and 100% to optimize the life of your MacBook battery. This feature is independent of the existing ‘Optimized Charging’, which is tailored to your charging routine. By entering a fixed charging limit, you can ensure that your Mac stops charging at a certain percentage, such as 85%.
- Open  ▸ System Settings
- Go to ‘Battery’
- Click the i button next to ‘Charge’
- Choose from 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100%
Apple emphasizes that your device can occasionally charge to 100% to keep battery health and charge levels accurate. You can also set or adjust the charging limit via the Shortcuts app, which is ideal for automation. This allows you to limit charging in specific situations.
Other innovations
- New background music widgets
- Urgent-smart reminder list, which is automatically supplemented with urgent reminders
- End-to-end encryption RCS messages: secure communication between iPhones, later also Android
- Adjusted wallpaper display with clearer categories and faster interface
- Warning for non-Apple Silicon apps on Mac: When opening apps not optimized for Apple Silicon, a notification appears about the deprecation of Rosetta 2 after macOS 27
- Minor graphical adjustments