Apple has released the first public beta of iPadOS 26.4, introducing significant new features including Safari's return of the compact tab bar, a redesigned Apple Music experience, and upgraded Apple Podcasts video capabilities.
Apple has officially released the first public beta of iPadOS 26.4, marking a significant update that brings several highly requested features and interface improvements to iPad users. The beta is now available through Apple's public beta program, allowing anyone to test upcoming features before the official release later this year.
How to Install iPadOS 26.4 Public Beta
Getting access to the beta is straightforward. Users can enroll their devices at beta.apple.com and then install the update through the Settings app on their iPad. While the public beta program offers early access to new features, Apple cautions that pre-release software typically contains more bugs and performance issues than stable releases.
Major New Features in iPadOS 26.4
Safari's Return of the Compact Tab Bar
One of the most welcomed changes in iPadOS 26.4 is Safari's return of the compact tab bar option. This feature addresses user feedback about the previous tab bar redesign, which many found to be too large and intrusive. Users can now choose between the new compact view and the existing larger tab bar, providing flexibility based on personal preferences.
Redesigned Apple Music Experience
The Apple Music app receives a comprehensive visual overhaul in iPadOS 26.4. The update introduces a new fullscreen design for albums and playlists, creating a more immersive listening experience. Additionally, Apple has added the Playlist Playground feature, which allows users to experiment with playlist creation in a more interactive way. A particularly useful addition is the ability to add songs to multiple playlists simultaneously, streamlining music organization.
Upgraded Apple Podcasts Video Features
Apple Podcasts is receiving significant video enhancements in this update. While specific details weren't fully disclosed in the initial beta, the upgrade suggests Apple is doubling down on video podcast content, potentially competing more directly with platforms like YouTube and Spotify in the video podcasting space.
Revamped Wallpaper Gallery
The wallpaper gallery has been completely redesigned, offering users a fresh way to customize their iPad's appearance. The new gallery likely includes additional wallpaper categories and improved browsing capabilities, though exact details remain to be explored as users dive into the beta.
Enhanced Reminders App
Reminders gains an 'Urgent' smart list feature, helping users better prioritize their tasks. This addition makes it easier to focus on time-sensitive items without manually sorting through all reminders, improving productivity for iPad users who rely heavily on the app for task management.
New Ambient Music Widget
A new Ambient Music widget becomes available in iPadOS 26.4, providing quick access to background music and soundscapes. This widget likely integrates with Apple's existing ambient music features, offering users an easy way to start relaxing audio without opening the full Music app.
Freeform's Creator Studio Foundation
Freeform, Apple's collaborative whiteboard app, lays groundwork for new Creator Studio features. While these features aren't fully implemented in the first beta, this suggests Apple has ambitious plans for expanding Freeform's capabilities, potentially making it a more powerful tool for creative professionals and teams.
What This Means for iPad Users
The iPadOS 26.4 update represents a significant step forward for Apple's tablet operating system. By addressing user feedback on Safari's interface, enhancing core apps like Music and Podcasts, and improving productivity tools like Reminders, Apple demonstrates its commitment to refining the iPad experience based on actual user needs.
The inclusion of features like multi-playlist song addition and the Urgent smart list shows Apple is paying attention to workflow improvements that can make a real difference in daily use. Meanwhile, the groundwork being laid for Freeform's Creator Studio suggests Apple sees the iPad as an increasingly important tool for creative work.
Looking Ahead
Since this is only the first public beta, iPadOS 26.4 will likely evolve significantly before its final release. Apple typically adds new features and makes refinements throughout the beta testing period based on user feedback and internal development progress.
Early adopters are encouraged to install the beta and explore these new features, but should be prepared for potential bugs and performance issues. Those who rely on their iPads for critical daily tasks might want to wait for the stable release or use a secondary device for beta testing.
The update cycle for iPadOS 26.4 suggests Apple is maintaining an aggressive development pace, following up a relatively minor iPadOS 26.3 release with a more substantial feature update. This approach allows Apple to address user feedback quickly while continuing to innovate on the iPad platform.
As the beta program progresses, users can expect to see additional features emerge and existing ones refined. The community's feedback during this testing phase will play a crucial role in shaping the final release, making this an exciting time for iPad enthusiasts and developers alike.
For those interested in exploring these new features, the public beta is available now through Apple's beta program website. Just remember to back up your device before installing any beta software to protect your data.
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