Apple Confirms iOS 26.4: Why Your iPhone Is About To Get Much Harder To Steal

Apple has confirmed that iOS 26.4 will introduce a critical shift in iPhone security by enabling Stolen Device Protection by default for the first time. Right now, users have to turn it on themselves and in many cases, people only do it when it’s too late.

First iOS 26.4, macOS Tahoe developer betas surface as new Siri waits in the wings

Apple has started a brand new generation of developer betas, with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, visionOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4 expected to include a Siri update.

iOS 26.4 puts your iPhone in anti-theft mode by default

OS 26.4 enables Stolen Device Protection by default, adding biometric verification and security delays to critical iPhone settings, alongside encrypted RCS and Podcasts video support.
The Hacker News

Apple Tests End-to-End Encrypted RCS Messaging in iOS 26.4 Developer Beta

Apple introduces end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, enhanced memory protections, and default Stolen Device Protection in iOS 26.4 developer beta.

RCS encryption surfaces in iOS 26.4 developer beta, but testing is extremely limited

Apple has taken a small step toward securing cross-platform messaging, with early RCS encryption support now appearing in the iOS 26.4 beta. Just don't expect to get that much testing done right now.

Apple just completely changed how iOS apps are made

The workflow of app developers has been changing thanks to how AI tools, and Apple just made one of the biggest changes to date about how they're implemented.