Apple iPhone receives major update to iOS 26.4 with new features and long overdue bug fix

Apple has just released iOS 26.4. The operating system update is available for all models from the iPhone 11 to the iPhone 17 ($799 on Amazon) and for the second-generation iPhone SE. The update can be downloaded and installed as usual via the system settings under General --> Software update.

The update brings a number of new features, including the ability to recognize music via the Shazam button in the quick settings even when the iPhone is not connected to the Internet, whereby the results can only be displayed when the iPhone is reconnected to the Internet. A new widget called "Ambient Music" allows direct access to hand-picked playlists that have been optimized for falling asleep, working or relaxing.

The Music app gets full-screen backgrounds for albums and playlists and a "Concerts" feature that can display live performances by your favorite artists in the vicinity. New accessibility options allow you to reduce Liquid Glass animations and bright elements on the display. Apple also introduces support for the new AirPods Max 2 and eight new emoji. Apple's Freeform app gets premium content that requires Apple's Creator Studio subscription. Particularly exciting for many users: the update fixes a well-known bug that often caused the keyboard to not recognize inputs correctly when typing particularly fast.