Download Candidate for macOS Tahoe 26.4 & iOS 26.4 Released for Testing

Apple has released release candidate builds for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, to users participating in the beta testing program for Apple’s system software.

The RC (release candidate) build is usually the same as the final release version, unless any serious bugs or problems are found, and usually marks the end of the beta testing period and the imminent public release. Assuming that this RC build ends up being the final release version, we will likely see iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 debut for all users in the near future, probably within a week or two.

There are other new features and changes in macOS Tahoe 26.4, ipadOS 26.4, and iOS 26.4, including several Emoji icons like Bigfoot, new playlist options for Apple Music, support for RCS text messages, a unified tab option for Safari on Mac, a new MacBook battery charge limit feature, and a variety of issues aimed at fixing iOS 2 bugs. reported by some iPhone users especially when typing fast. Release notes are included below.

For non-beta users, the latest available system software is macOS Tahoe 26.3.1 (a) and iOS 26.3.1 (a) security updates that can be installed on macOS Tahoe 26.3.1, iOS 26.3.1, and iPadOS 26.3.1.

How to Download iOS 26.4 Release Candidate / iPadOS 26.4 Release Candidate

For iPhone and iPad users in the beta program:

1. Open the “Settings” app.
2. Go to “General” and then “Software Update”
3. Install iOS 26.4 or iPadOS 26.4

How to Download MacOS Tahoe 26.4 Download Candidate

For Mac users in beta testing programs:

1. From the menu  Apple select “System Settings”
2. Select “General” and go to “Software Update”
3. Update to the latest macOS Tahoe 26.4

When will iOS 26.4 and macOS Tahoe 26.4 be released to everyone?

Since these are RC (release candidate) builds for beta users, and RC builds usually indicate the final beta builds, it is reasonable to assume that the final versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 will be released in the near future to all users, perhaps by the end of this week or the next.

iOS 26.4 RC Release Notes

The release notes included with the iOS 26.4 RC build are as follows:

Apple Music
– Playlist playlist (beta) generates playlists from your description, complete with title, description, and follow list
– Concerts helps you find upcoming shows from artists in your library and recommends new artists based on what you’re listening to
– Offline Music Recognition in Control Center identifies songs without an internet connection and automatically delivers results when you’re back online
– Ambient music widget for sleep, relaxation, productivity, and wellness brings curated playlists to your home screen
– The full screen background gives the album and playlist pages a more focused look

Accessibility
– Reduce the brightness effects setting reduces the brightness when tapping features such as buttons
– Subtitle and caption settings are available from the caption icon while viewing media, making it easy to find, customize, and preview
– Reduce motion setting more reliably reduces Liquid Glass animations for users sensitive to screen motion

This update also includes the following improvements:
– 8 new emojis including orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and inverted face are available on the emoji keyboard
– Freeform benefits from advanced image creation and editing tools, as well as a library of premium content, joining Apple Creator Studio
– Mark reminders as urgent in the quick toolbar or by touch and hold, and filter urgent reminders in your smart list
– Shopping Sharing allows older members of Family Sharing groups to use their own payment method when shopping, without relying on the family planner.
– Improved keyboard accuracy when typing quickly

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:

macOS Tahoe 26.4 RC Release Notes

The release notes for the Tahoe 26.4 RC are brief and not particularly detailed:

This update introduces 8 new emojis, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates
Your Mac

For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit:

If you see something new or interesting in RC design, share it with us in the comments below, otherwise stay tuned for the final versions soon.

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