Apple Releases iOS 26.4 with Video Podcasts, Eight New Emoji, and Dozens of Bug Fixes

Key facts

• iOS 26.4 was released on March 24.
• The update includes eight new emoji approved in Unicode 17.0.
• Video podcasts are now supported in the Apple Podcasts app.
• A new Reduce Bright Effects setting minimizes Liquid Glass animations.
• Playlist Playground in Apple Music is in beta and may produce unexpected results.
• A Concerts feature helps users find nearby live music events.
• iOS 26.3.1, released a week earlier, was Apple's first Background Security Improvement update.
• The security patch fixed a WebKit vulnerability.

A New Wave of Features Arrives with iOS 26.4

Apple released iOS 26.4 on March 24, bringing a suite of new features to iPhones just a week after the company issued its first Background Security Improvement update, iOS 26.3.1. The latest version introduces video podcasts, eight new emoji, and more than two dozen bug fixes and security patches. Users can download the update by navigating to Settings, selecting General, then Software Update, and tapping Update Now. The update is available immediately for all compatible devices.

Eight New Emoji from Unicode 17.0 Debut on iPhone

With iOS 26.4, Apple adds eight new emoji that were approved by the Unicode Consortium in September as part of Unicode 17.0. This marks the first time these characters appear on iPhones. The new emoji include a range of symbols, though Apple has not detailed each one. The Unicode Consortium, the governing body for emoji standards, approved the set months ago, and Apple's adoption brings them to a wider audience.

Video Podcasts Come to Apple Podcasts

The iOS 26.4 update introduces video support to the Apple Podcasts app. To view a video podcast, users open the app, start an episode, and look for the video player icon in the top right corner of the title card. Once the episode is playing, tapping the media player reveals a Turn Video On button near the progress bar. Activating the feature replaces the podcast's artwork with the video. Users can turn off the video by tapping Turn Video Off, which restores the artwork. This addition aligns Apple Podcasts with competitors that already offer video content.

Reducing Liquid Glass Effects with a New Accessibility Setting

Apple's iOS 26.4 adds a Reduce Bright Effects setting to minimize Liquid Glass animations across the device. The option is located under Settings, Accessibility, Display & Text Size. the setting reduces highlighting and flashing when interacting with on-screen elements such as buttons or the keyboard. This feature caters to users who find certain flash elements annoying or distracting, offering more control over the visual experience.

Playlist Playground and Concerts Feature in Apple Music

Apple Music gains a new beta feature called Playlist Playground, which generates playlists based on user requests. Apple warns that the feature may produce unexpected results — for example, asking for a good gym mix might yield Whitney Houston songs. Additionally, a new Concerts feature helps users find nearby live music events. The feature integrates with the user's location and music preferences to suggest concerts, expanding Apple Music's utility beyond streaming.

Security and Bug Fixes Accompany the Update

Beyond new features, iOS 26.4 includes more than two dozen bug fixes and security patches. The update follows iOS 26.3.1, which was Apple's first Background Security Improvement update and addressed a WebKit vulnerability. Apple has not disclosed the specific security issues fixed in iOS 26.4, but the company regularly encourages users to install updates promptly to protect against exploits. The Background Security Improvement mechanism allows Apple to deliver critical patches without a full OS update.

What the Update Means for iPhone Users

iOS 26.4 represents a significant mid-cycle refresh, blending user-facing features with behind-the-scenes improvements. The addition of video podcasts and new emoji enhances everyday use, while the Reduce Bright Effects setting and security patches address practical concerns. As Apple continues to refine its software, the update underscores the company's strategy of delivering incremental but meaningful enhancements between major releases. Users can expect further refinements as beta features like Playlist Playground mature.

The bottom line

• iOS 26.4 was released on March 24, a week after the security-focused iOS 26.3.1.
• The update introduces eight new emoji from Unicode 17.0, video podcasts in Apple Podcasts, and a Reduce Bright Effects setting.
• Apple Music's Playlist Playground is in beta and may generate unexpected playlists.
• A new Concerts feature helps users find nearby live music events.
• The update includes over two dozen bug fixes and security patches.
• Users can download iOS 26.4 via Settings > General > Software Update.