Apple just dropped iOS 26.4 into public beta, and it's bringing AI-powered playlist generation to Apple Music alongside support for video content in the Podcasts app. The update also introduces end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, marking another step in Apple's gradual embrace of cross-platform messaging standards. While these features might seem like routine improvements, they signal Apple's continued push to embed AI across its consumer ecosystem - even if it's arriving later than competitors like Spotify and YouTube Music, which have offered similar AI curation for months.
Apple is testing the waters with iOS 26.4, and the public beta that landed today reveals where the company thinks AI should fit into everyday iPhone use. The headline feature is AI-powered playlist generation in Apple Music, a capability that competitors like Spotify have been refining for over a year.
The timing is telling. While Spotify launched its AI DJ feature back in early 2023 and has since expanded it to dozens of markets, Apple's approach appears more cautious. The AI playlist tool reportedly analyzes listening habits, mood indicators, and contextual data to suggest curated collections, but details on the underlying model remain sparse. Apple hasn't disclosed whether this uses on-device processing or cloud-based inference, though the company's recent emphasis on privacy-focused AI suggests a hybrid approach.
But the music feature isn't the only play here. Apple is adding video content support to the Podcasts app, a move that directly challenges YouTube's stranglehold on video podcasting. Creators have long complained about being forced to choose between audio-first platforms like Apple Podcasts and video-native platforms like YouTube. This integration could give podcasters a unified distribution channel without sacrificing video content, though Apple will need to convince creators that its video player can compete with YouTube's massive audience and monetization tools.
