Apple has officially released the ios 26.4 beta, and it comes with some important changes that focus on security and daily use features. If you use an iPhone, this update is designed to make your device much harder to steal and safer to use.

The biggest highlight of ios 26.4 beta is a major improvement to Stolen Device Protection. This feature already exists on iPhones, but now Apple is taking it a step further by turning it on by default. Earlier, many users didn’t enable it until after their phone was stolen. With this update, protection starts automatically.

So how does this help you? Even if someone steals your iPhone and knows your passcode, they still won’t be able to change your Apple ID password or access saved payment cards without Face ID or Touch ID. On top of that, the system adds a one-hour security delay when someone tries to change sensitive settings outside familiar locations like your home or workplace. This makes stealing and misusing an iPhone much harder than before.

Another useful improvement in ios 26.4 beta is in the Messages app. Apple is finally bringing encrypted messaging to conversations between iPhone and Android users, as long as both sides support the latest RCS standard. This means your messages stay private, even when chatting with friends who don’t use an iPhone.

Messages between iPhones were already secure, but this update closes a long-standing gap and makes everyday texting safer for everyone.

Apart from security and messaging, the ios 26.4 beta also includes small refinements in apps like Apple Music and overall system performance. While these changes may not look big at first glance, they improve the overall iPhone experience.

In short, ios 26.4 beta is not just another routine update. It focuses on real-world problems like phone theft and privacy, making your iPhone more secure and reliable than ever.