Discover the New Features in iOS 26.1 to 26.4
▼ Summary
– iOS 26.1 beta testing is underway, expanding Apple Intelligence and Live Translation on AirPods to more languages with minor app updates.
– A Digital Passport feature will be added to the Wallet app later this year for domestic TSA identity verification at select U.S. airports.
– Apple plans to introduce end-to-end encrypted RCS messages with features like editing and unsending, though it’s not yet available in iOS 26 or 26.1.
– A more personalized Siri with better context understanding and on-screen awareness is expected to launch in the U.S. in spring 2026, likely with iOS 26.4.
– iOS 26.4 will likely include new emoji from Unicode 17.0, such as a trombone and distorted face, following Apple’s pattern of annual emoji updates.
While the initial release of iOS 26 arrived last month, Apple’s development cycle continues without pause. The iOS 26.1 beta is already in testing, bringing expanded language support for Apple Intelligence and Live Translation on compatible AirPods. This update also introduces various minor refinements across core applications like Apple Music, Calendar, Photos, Clock, and Safari. Further enhancements are anticipated throughout the iOS 26.x series, from later beta builds of 26.1 all the way to the eventual 26.4 release, promising a steady stream of new capabilities over the coming year.
A significant upcoming feature is the ability to store a digital U.S. passport directly within the Apple Wallet app. Initially, Apple indicated a software update would be necessary, but recent information suggests it might be activated via a server-side change. This Digital ID will allow for identity verification at participating TSA checkpoints during domestic air travel. It’s important to understand this is not a replacement for a physical passport and cannot be used for international journeys. Apple emphasizes the feature’s security and privacy, noting its compliance with REAL ID standards. Beyond airport security, this digital credential will also facilitate age and identity verification in various apps, online platforms, and retail stores.
On the messaging front, Apple confirmed plans to integrate end-to-end encrypted RCS messages into its ecosystem. Although RCS support was introduced with iOS 18, the enhanced, encrypted version aligning with the RCS Universal Profile 3.0 standard has not yet appeared in iOS 26 or its early betas. This upgrade is a collaborative effort requiring carrier support, which explains the deliberate rollout pace. Once implemented, iPhone, iPad, and Mac users can expect a significantly improved RCS experience featuring end-to-end encryption, in-line message replies, the ability to edit and unsend messages, and comprehensive Tapback reaction support. These features will help narrow the functional gap with iMessage, which has long offered many of these capabilities.
Apple is also making strides with its voice assistant. CEO Tim Cook recently affirmed that development of a more personalized Siri is progressing well and is scheduled for a release next year. Industry reports suggest a U.S. launch in spring 2026, potentially coinciding with iOS 26.4. Announced at WWDC 2024 but later delayed, this smarter Siri will possess a deeper understanding of user context, exhibit on-screen awareness, and execute more complex app-specific commands. For instance, it could pull information from your Mail and Messages apps to provide details about a family member’s travel itinerary or dining reservations.
References found in early iOS 26 beta code pointed to an unannounced “Weather via satellite” feature. Its current status remains a mystery, as Apple has neither launched nor officially confirmed it. If released, this functionality would deliver weather forecasts and data in the Weather app for locations lacking cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity, joining Apple’s existing suite of satellite services like Emergency SOS and Messages via satellite. Notably, Apple has extended free access to these satellite features for another year for iPhone 14 and 15 owners.
Finally, iOS 26.4 is expected to introduce a fresh set of emoji based on the Unicode 17.0 standard. Previewed on World Emoji Day, the new characters include a Trombone, Treasure Chest, Distorted Face, a Hairy Creature (often called Bigfoot), a Fight Cloud, an Apple Core, an Orca, Ballet Dancers, and a Landslide. The Distorted Face emoji, already popular on platforms like Discord, is a twisted take on the classic flushed face. Following its established pattern, Apple will design these in its distinctive style, with a release likely in a .4 update, as seen with previous iOS versions.
(Source: Mac Rumors)
