iOS 26.4 beta brings a revamped wallpaper gallery, fresh Apple Music and Podcasts features, and early Gemini AI APIs, while the long‑awaited Siri overhaul is postponed. The update rolls out to iPhone 12 and newer devices, offering faster UI, smarter media suggestions, and developer‑focused AI tools. Here’s what you need to know before installing.
Redesigned Wallpaper Gallery
The new gallery splits images into four clear categories—Dynamic, Live, Still, and the added Curated collection that showcases seasonal and artist‑sourced photos. A cleaner grid loads instantly and lets you preview images without lag, giving the lock screen a desktop‑grade feel.
Curated Section Highlights
- Seasonal themes refreshed monthly
- Exclusive artist collaborations
- Smart thumbnails that adapt to dark and light modes
Media Apps Refresh
Apple Music now features an adaptive “Listen Now” carousel that surfaces new releases based on your listening habits. Apple Podcasts shares the same swipe‑to‑play controls, creating a seamless audio experience across both apps.
Apple Music Enhancements
- Dynamic recommendations tailored to your library
- Faster loading of album art and track previews
- Integrated lyrics that appear in real time
Messages and Reminders Updates
- Revamped sticker tray with animated options
- Richer link previews that include thumbnails and summaries
- Smarter grouping in Reminders that bundles related tasks automatically
Siri AI Update Delayed
The anticipated Siri upgrade, which was expected to leverage Apple’s Gemini large‑language model, is being pushed back. No Siri‑related changes appear in the beta, indicating Apple is fine‑tuning the integration before a public rollout.
Gemini Integration for Developers
Developers now have early access to Gemini APIs in a limited, developer‑only mode. Future releases aim to bring Gemini‑powered suggestions system‑wide—think predictive text, context‑aware shortcuts, and deeper personalization in Music and Podcasts.
Beta Availability and Device Support
The beta follows Apple’s six‑week cadence, with the first build released to developers on Tuesday and a public beta arriving later this week. It supports iPhone 12 series and newer models, covering roughly 80 % of active iPhones.
Impact for Users and Developers
For power users, the faster UI and organized wallpaper picker deliver immediate visual and performance wins. Developers gain a preview of on‑device AI capabilities, allowing them to experiment with language processing without waiting for a full OS rollout.
Developer Insight
“The Gemini preview hooks are the most intriguing part for us,” says Maya Patel, a senior iOS engineer at a fintech startup. “Running natural‑language queries locally would cut latency dramatically, and the new wallpaper gallery reduces memory churn thanks to streamed assets.”
What’s Next for iOS
iOS 26.4 sets the stage for a smoother, AI‑ready ecosystem, even as the headline‑grabbing Siri upgrade remains on hold. You’ll enjoy a fresher lock‑screen experience and richer media interactions today, while developers start to explore Gemini’s potential. Keep an eye on the Siri roadmap—Apple’s AI ambitions are still alive, just taking a more measured path.
