Apple's latest beta releases for iOS, macOS, and iPadOS are packed with intriguing updates, but some features are notably absent. Here's a deep dive into the changes you should know about:
The Missing 'More Intelligent Siri': Despite promises, the highly anticipated 'More Intelligent Siri' is nowhere to be found in the latest betas. Apple, citing quality concerns, delayed this feature, originally slated for iOS 18 in 2024, until 2026. Now, reports suggest it might not arrive until iOS 27 in the fall, leaving users wondering when they'll experience the enhanced Siri.
Charging Limits for MacBooks: macOS 26.4 introduces a manual slider to limit your Mac's battery charge percentage. This feature, building on the existing Optimized Battery Charging, allows users to set a maximum charge limit, potentially extending battery life. However, it's a trade-off, as a lower charge limit may impact daily usage.
End-to-End Encryption for Non-Apple Texting: Apple is finally catching up with RCS messaging, but its implementation is gradual. The 26.4 update starts testing encryption for RCS messages, but only between Apple devices. This means encrypted messaging with Android users is still a ways off, leaving some users frustrated with the slow progress.
Safari's Compact Tab Bar Returns: After a brief disappearance, the 'Compact' tab view is back in Safari 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4. This design, which combines tabs and the address bar, aims to maximize viewing space. Users who missed this layout can now enable it again in the settings.
Stolen Device Protection by Default: iOS 26.4 will enable Stolen Device Protection by default, adding an extra security layer. This feature, introduced in iOS 17.3, requires biometric authentication in unfamiliar locations, making it harder for thieves to access sensitive data. However, it can be disabled with a lengthy process involving biometric verification.
Rosetta's Imminent End: macOS 26.4 will notify users about the impending end of Rosetta support, scheduled for macOS 28 in 2027. Rosetta 2 played a vital role in the transition from Intel Macs to Apple Silicon, but with the transition complete, Apple is phasing it out. Users will soon need to update their Intel-only apps to Apple Silicon-native versions.
These updates showcase Apple's evolving ecosystem, but they also highlight the company's strategic decisions and the ongoing wait for certain features. As always, beta releases offer a glimpse into the future, but the final release may hold surprises. And this is the part most users eagerly anticipate: when will the missing features finally make their debut?
