Apple's iOS 26.4 Beta Set to Launch With Smarter Siri and Long-Awaited AI Features

Apple's First iOS 26.4 Beta Could Be Released Soon With These Updates

Apple may introduce new emoji like an apple core and treasure chest Apple is expected to roll out its next major software update for iPhones in the coming weeks, with iOS 26.4 tipped to bring the first public steps toward long-promised Siri upgrades. The update is likely to include early Apple Intelligence features that were previously delayed after being announced at WWDC 2024. Alongside changes to Siri, the release is also expected to focus on performance improvements and stability. Reports also suggest iOS 26.4 could introduce a new set of emoji additions. iOS 26.4 Beta Timeline Leaked: Siri Improvements May Roll Out Soon The iPhone maker is preparing to announce the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 during the week of February 23, according to the journalist. If the company does release the first beta as per this schedule, then we can expect additional builds either later this month or in early March. This suggests that the final version may reach users (on the stable update channel) by the end of March, although Apple doesn't reveal specific release dates except for major releases. The upcoming iOS 26.4 update is expected to deliver some of the first elements of the Siri improvements that were previously delayed as part of Apple Intelligence. Reported features include personal context for locating information in messages, emails, and notes, along with on-screen awareness and expanded in-app and cross-app controls. Gurman also says Apple will place more emphasis this year on fixing bugs and improving the performance of its operating systems, with larger software updates planned for iOS 27. iOS 26.4 is also expected to add new emoji, with leaks pointing to options such as an apple core, a fight cloud, and a treasure chest. Apple has yet to share official details about the upcoming software update. Apple recently confirmed plans to use Gemini as an additional AI option to help power Siri's new capabilities, alongside its own in-house models. This partnership is claimed to improve Siri's ability to handle more advanced, chatbot-style requests while Apple continues to focus on privacy, with much of the processing still done on-device or through Apple's Private Cloud Compute system.

Apple iOS 26.4 beta may release this month with smarter Siri: Check details

Along with Siri improvements, iOS 26.4 is also expected to bring a fresh set of emojis. Apple's upcoming iOS 26.4 update is expected to bring a suite of new Siri and Apple Intelligence features, and the first beta version could arrive very soon. According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple plans to release the first developer beta of iOS 26.4 in the week of February 23. If that happens, a public beta should follow shortly after, either later this month or in early March. What makes iOS 26.4 such a big deal is the upgraded Siri. New Siri features were first announced at WWDC 2024 and were originally expected to arrive during the iOS 18 update cycle. However, Apple later delayed them. After months of waiting, these features now appear close to launch. The updated Siri in iOS 26.4 is expected to be much smarter and more helpful. One major addition could be Personal Context. This will allow Siri to search through your personal information, such as messages, emails and notes, to find exactly what you're looking for. For example, you could ask Siri to find details from a past conversation or a note you saved weeks ago. Also read: Tim Cook discusses AI, succession and Apple's 50th anniversary at meeting: Here's what he said Another big upgrade could be on-screen awareness. With this feature, Siri will likely understand what's currently on your screen and act on it. The third key improvement is expected to be in-app and cross-app actions. This will likely let Siri control specific functions inside apps and even handle tasks across multiple apps. Also read: OpenAI brings GPT 5.3 Codex model and Frontier platform: What it means for AI users Along with Siri improvements, iOS 26.4 is also expected to bring a fresh set of emojis. New additions may include an apple core, a fight cloud, a treasure chest and more. Also read: Anthropic mocks OpenAI's idea of bringing ads to ChatGPT, Sam Altman responds