Apple releases iOS / iPadOS 26.4 RC; stable version expected next week

Release and context

Apple (苹果) has pushed the release candidate (RC) of iOS and iPadOS 26.4 to iPhone and iPad users, it has been reported that the build arrived nine days after the previous Beta/RC. The RC typically signals that the public release is imminent: if no major bugs surface, the company is expected to roll out the stable update next week. Why care? RCs often contain the bug fixes and minor feature polish that affect day‑to‑day usability.

What’s new

According to a report from IT Home (IT之家), the RC includes a handful of incremental features and adjustments. Playlist Playground (beta) can generate playlists from a user’s description and auto-create titles, descriptions and track lists. A more reliable “Reduce Motion” toggle promises to cut down the new Liquid Glass animation for users sensitive to screen motion. Freeform gains advanced image creation and editing tools and connects to an expanded content library and Apple Creator Studio. A “Purchase Sharing” change reportedly lets adult members of a Family Sharing group use their own payment methods when buying apps or subscriptions, removing reliance on the family organizer.

Rollout and how to join

Public testers enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program can install the RC via Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates; registered developers receive the developer preview through Settings > General > Software Update. As always with RC builds, proceed with caution if you rely on your device for critical work—RCs are close to final, but glitches can still appear. If all goes smoothly, the stable iOS/iPadOS 26.4 should reach most users next week.