The encrypted messaging update is the most important change and could arrive as soon as iOS 26.5. Apple announced in the release notes for the iOS 26.4 developer beta that it was being tested, adding, “This feature is not shipping in this release and will be available to customers in future iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS 26 releases.”

OS 26.5 Beta 3 is here! Discover hidden changes, including Apple Maps 'Suggested Places,' RCS end-to-end encryption testing, & more.

Apple's software engineers are testing iOS 26.4.2, according to the MacRumors visitor logs, which have been a reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. iOS 26.4.2 should be a minor update that fixes bugs and/or security vulnerabilities,

"This update provides bug fixes for your iPhone," Apple wrote in the update's release notes. While it's unclear which bugs iOS 26.4.1 fixes, the update does appear to enable Stolen Device Protection on iPhones that don't have the security feature on already.

OS 26.5 brings security and stability updates with an estimated 10–30 vulnerability fixes, plus broader privacy protections for iPhones.

The Liquid Glass interface is highly translucent and layered with various depth and visual effects, and while some users may like the glitz and shine, there are others who find the transparency

Your iPhone's Maps App Could Get Ads With iOS 26.5

Phone Lock Screen name display in iOS 26.4 works through the Battery widget after changing the device name in Settings > General > About.