Apple has actually launched the 26.4 updates to all of its significant software application platforms today, consisting of iOS, iPadOS, macOS Tahoe, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and the HomePod. The most essential factor to set up each upgrade is the huge stack of consisted of security repairs– you can see the ones Apple is divulging for iOS/iPadOS and macOS on its security site– however the updates likewise consist of a couple of considerable brand-new functions, a modification from the mainly peaceful 26.3 release last month.

We covered a number of the most noteworthy functions when the very first variations of these updates were launched through Apple’s beta screening channels. Those consist of charging limitations for MacBooks, for those who do not wish to permit their batteries to credit their complete capabilities; the return of the “compact” tab view for Safari operating on macOS Tahoe and iPadOS 26; and enabled-by-default Stolen Device Protection.

Other functions consist of the handful of brand-new emoji from the Unicode 17.0 release (see Emojipedia for more); AI-generated Apple Music playlists; brand-new Creator Studio includes for the integrated Freeform app; and the capability for grownups in a Family Sharing group to utilize various payment techniques from one another when making purchases.

One function that Apple is openly screening however which isn’t in the last variation of the 26.4 release is end-to-end file encryption for RCS messaging. In the meantime, texting with Android users will continue to utilize the unencrypted variation of RCS that Apple started presenting in 2024 (or, in many cases depending upon provider compatibility, SMS). The variation of the RCS requirement that supports end-to-end file encryption (variation 3.0, for the record) likewise supports things like inline replies and modifying or unsending texts– Apple supports these functions in iMessage, however it’s uncertain whether the RCS upgrade will include them for green-bubble text threads.