iOS 26.1-26.4: all the new features coming to the iPhone in upcoming updates

Apple released iOS 26 last month, but development of the platform continues without pause. Beta testing of iOS 26.1 is already underway, and with it — the first improvements and new features. In the next interim releases, all the way up to iOS 26.4, users can expect notable updates to Siri, Wallet, messaging, and other system services.

Apple’s iOS 26.1 beta is already underway, and with it — the first improvements and new features.

Only a fraction of the new features are known at this point, but Apple has traditionally added additional features as new builds are released.

New languages for Apple Intelligence and Live Translation

With the release of iOS 26.1, the company is expanding the list of languages supported in Apple Intelligence and Live Translation features on compatible AirPods headphones. In addition, there are minor changes to Apple Music, Calendar, Photos, Clock, and Safari.

Digital Passport in Wallet

Later this year, Apple plans to add the ability to store a digital version of a U.S. passport in the Wallet app. The «fine print» section of the company’s website says the feature will arrive by the end of the year. Apple previously said it would require an iOS update to activate it, but that note has now been removed, which may indicate the feature is enabled on the server side.

After creating a digital ID in Wallet, users will be able to present their passport at TSA checkpoints at some US airports for domestic travel. Apple emphasizes that the digital document does not replace a physical passport and is not suitable for international travel. The feature is fully compatible with REAL ID requirements and provides a high level of privacy.

In the future, Digital ID can also be used to verify age or identity in apps, online services and offline stores.

Apple says that Digital ID is not a substitute for a physical passport and is not suitable for international travel.

RCS enhancements: encryption and new messaging features

Apple is preparing to update the RCS protocol in the Messages app, adding support for Universal Profile 3.0. This means end-to-end encryption and a number of features previously only available in iMessage.

Apple is preparing to update the RCS protocol in Messages with support for Universal Profile 3.0.

The features are not yet available in iOS 26 and the first beta versions of iOS 26.1, but Apple has already confirmed that it’s ready to introduce RCS 3.0 support. The process requires synchronization with carriers, so the update may take time.

• A end-to-end encryption of all messages and attachments, protecting them from unauthorized access, just like iMessage.
• The ability to reply to specific messages (in-line replies).
• Functions to edit and cancel sent messages.
• Full Tapback reactions for RCS with no workarounds.

The support for RCS as such appeared on the iPhone back in iOS 18 and was based on Universal Profile 2.4. The new standard will bring RCS functionality closer to iMessage, where all of these features have been available for several years.

The new standard will bring RCS closer to iMessage, where all of these features have been available for several years.

Personalized Siri

Back in the summer, Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company was actively working on a new version of Siri with personalized features. Bloomberg and Mark Gurman expect the updated Siri to arrive in the spring of 2026, presumably in iOS 26.4.

An updated Siri is expected to arrive in the spring of 2026, presumably in iOS 26.4.

This version of the Assistant will get improved understanding of the user’s personal context, the ability to analyze screen content, and deeper integration with apps. At WWDC 2024, Apple showed off an example where Siri finds flight and dinner reservation information for a user’s mom on its own using data from the Mail and Messages apps.

At WWDC 2024, Apple showed off an example where Siri finds flight and dinner reservation information for the user’s mom using data from the Mail and Messages apps.

Weather via satellite

In the code for the first beta of iOS 26, developer Aaron Perris found mention of the «Weather via satellite» feature. Apple hasn’t officially announced it, but it’s likely still a work in progress.

This feature will allow you to get weather forecasts and other information in the Weather app even without access to Wi-Fi and cellular network. The company has previously introduced satellite-based Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance services that work in multiple countries.

Satellite-based Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance.

Apple isn’t charging for the satellite features yet and recently extended free access for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners for another year.

New emoji in iOS 26.4

As is tradition, Apple will add a new batch of emoji along with the release of iOS 26.4. In honor of World Emoji Day, the Unicode Consortium has unveiled the characters that will be part of the Unicode 17.0 standard.

These include a trombone, treasure chest, Distorted Face, hairy creature (Bigfoot/Sasquatch), brawl cloud, apple slicer, killer whale, ballerinas, and landslide.

The Distorted Face emoji has already become popular on Discord and is a distorted version of the Flushed Face.

Apple traditionally adapts new emoji to its own style in a few months, so they’re expected to arrive in spring 2026. The company has added previous packs to iOS 18.4, 17.4, 16.4, and 15.4 — updates have been released at roughly the same interval.