5 changes to know about in Apple's latest iOS, macOS, and iPadOS betas

February 19, 2026

Here's something that caught my attention — Apple’s latest beta updates are packed with surprises. You know how these *4 releases usually bring cool features? Well, Andrew Cunningham from TechCrunch points out that this year’s betas keep that streak alive. One of the big highlights? The new 'Playlist Playground' in Apple Music, which lets you generate playlists from text prompts — imagine just telling your device what mood you’re in. And get this — native support for video podcasts is on the way, making the Podcasts app way more versatile. Andrew also mentions that the Creator Studio version of Freeform is getting a boost, with access to stock images and AI-generated visuals, which could seriously change how you collaborate. So, what does this mean for you? These updates hint at a more personalized, creative, and seamless Apple experience ahead. Keep an eye out — Apple’s rolling out the future, one beta at a time.

This week, Apple released the first developer betas for iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, macOS 26.4, and its other operating systems. On Tuesday, it followed those up with public beta versions of the same updates.

Usually released around the midpoint between one major iOS release and the next, the *.4 updates to its operating system usually include a significant batch of new features and other refinements, and if the first beta is any indication, this year's releases uphold that tradition.

A new "Playlist Playground" feature will let Apple Music subscribers generate playlists with text prompts, and native support for video podcasts is coming to the Podcasts app. The Creator Studio version of the Freeform drawing and collaboration app is also available in the 26.4 updates, allowing subscribers to access stock images from Apple's Content Hub and to insert AI-generated images.

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