iOS 26.4 Beta 1 ― Bug Fixes, Changes, and Improvements

[Jumpie]

I started a new iMessages conversation with someone I haven't texted in ages and saw this at the top. I do see good on already established ones only when I tap New Message. I don't see it for RCS yet.
I don't see

 

[Jumpie]

So far so good, the battery life has been better than 26.3 live.

Mine is horrendous only when using the Phone app.

 

[FatLouie]

I don’t know? I was just curious if other people were seeing this… or, are you being facetious?
Either way, it’s nice to have faster connection speeds.

Nah...just making fun of Apple. 🙂

I agree, it is always nice to have faster speeds.

 

[Hamsterhjulet]

Battery life has taken a hit since updating to 26.4 B1. Was around 15-20% better on iOS 26.3. It runs smooth though. Still discovering new bugs like misaligned shadow on app titles.

 

[LiquidGlassfan]

Could anyone please test Playlist Playground and compare it with Spotify's feature if they have both subscribtions?
🙂

 

[R3locswx]

Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)
Build: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 (23E5207q)

Issue:
System Data is currently at 71GB and actively increasing.
iOS itself is ~13.4GB.

What I’ve tried:
- Deleted apps
- Checked for ghost/waiting apps (none)
- Airplane mode test
- Rebooted multiple times
- IPSW reinstall via Finder (same build)
- Encrypted local backup
- No pending downloads
- Spotlight indexing allowed to finish

Result:
System Data keeps growing (70 → 71GB within minutes).

This does not behave like normal caching.
Has anyone else on 26.4 Beta 1 seen this?

Is this related to APFS update snapshot behavior?
Does Beta 2 fix it?

 

[StumpyBloke]

There is no beta 2, and what is your feedback ID for this issue from when you’ve reported it?

 

[R3locswx]

Feedback ID: FB22021228

Update: Device now fails DFU Restore – Error 68 / Unknown Error 100 (06A6.0064)



Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)

Original issue: System Data growing to 70+ GB on iOS 26.4 Beta 1



Progression:

• System Data increased uncontrollably (~71GB)
• Revive failed (AMRestoreErrorDomain error 68)
• Full Restore failed (same error 68)
• Update attempt failed (Unknown error 100 – 06A6.0064)
• Device now stuck in Recovery / DFU loop

Tried:

• Revive via Apple Configurator
• Full Restore via Finder
• Update (data-preserving path)
• Multiple cables
• Clean IPSW
• Stable connection

All attempts fail during install/validation phase.



This no longer looks like simple cache/snapshot accumulation.

Install validation fails consistently.



Possibly APFS container corruption or NAND-level storage issue?

 

[LutzRFrank]

Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)
Build: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 (23E5207q)

Issue:
System Data is currently at 71GB and actively increasing.
iOS itself is ~13.4GB.

What I’ve tried:
- Deleted apps
- Checked for ghost/waiting apps (none)
- Airplane mode test
- Rebooted multiple times
- IPSW reinstall via Finder (same build)
- Encrypted local backup
- No pending downloads
- Spotlight indexing allowed to finish

Result:
System Data keeps growing (70 → 71GB within minutes).

This does not behave like normal caching.
Has anyone else on 26.4 Beta 1 seen this?

Is this related to APFS update snapshot behavior?
Does Beta 2 fix it?

Same on 16PM. Apple acknowledged with more than 10 reports.
Described above. I ended up with 129GB system data, which made system unusable. Only way was restoring to 26.3.

 

[dk001]

Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)
Build: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 (23E5207q)

Issue:
System Data is currently at 71GB and actively increasing.
iOS itself is ~13.4GB.

What I’ve tried:
- Deleted apps
- Checked for ghost/waiting apps (none)
- Airplane mode test
- Rebooted multiple times
- IPSW reinstall via Finder (same build)
- Encrypted local backup
- No pending downloads
- Spotlight indexing allowed to finish

Result:
System Data keeps growing (70 → 71GB within minutes).

This does not behave like normal caching.
Has anyone else on 26.4 Beta 1 seen this?

Is this related to APFS update snapshot behavior?
Does Beta 2 fix it?

@LutzRFrank

Is this still true if you turn Apple Intelligence off?

 

[kmf1]

Mine at 19.57 and Apple Intelligence is On. 17 Pro Max T-Mobile

 

[drak22]

The iCloud activation pop-up keeps appearing randomly, and it doesn't matter if I choose to activate it or not; nothing happens. iCloud is still activated and working as usual, I don't know what the pop-up is for.

 

[Tomas1988]

Mine at 19.57 and Apple Intelligence is On. 17 Pro Max T-Mobile

Without intelligence 9,14gb same phone

 

[Wizec]

How is the keyboard in 26.4?

 

[kmf1]

Is anyone seeing a lock icon in iMessages for end to end encryption with anyone not using iMessages who has RCS enabled?? Just curious.

 

[Ayeyotone]

Anyone else 17PM music doesn’t show full?

 

[Travis299]

Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)
Build: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 (23E5207q)

Issue:
System Data is currently at 71GB and actively increasing.
iOS itself is ~13.4GB.

What I’ve tried:
- Deleted apps
- Checked for ghost/waiting apps (none)
- Airplane mode test
- Rebooted multiple times
- IPSW reinstall via Finder (same build)
- Encrypted local backup
- No pending downloads
- Spotlight indexing allowed to finish

Result:
System Data keeps growing (70 → 71GB within minutes).

This does not behave like normal caching.
Has anyone else on 26.4 Beta 1 seen this?

Is this related to APFS update snapshot behavior?
Does Beta 2 fix it?

15PM 512

Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)
Build: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 (23E5207q)

Issue:
System Data is currently at 71GB and actively increasing.
iOS itself is ~13.4GB.

What I’ve tried:
- Deleted apps
- Checked for ghost/waiting apps (none)
- Airplane mode test
- Rebooted multiple times
- IPSW reinstall via Finder (same build)
- Encrypted local backup
- No pending downloads
- Spotlight indexing allowed to finish

Result:
System Data keeps growing (70 → 71GB within minutes).

This does not behave like normal caching.
Has anyone else on 26.4 Beta 1 seen this?

Is this related to APFS update snapshot behavior?
Does Beta 2 fix it?

15PM 512 iOS at 28.87GB.

 

[LutzRFrank]

@LutzRFrank

Is this still true if you turn Apple Intelligence off?

Yes, tried both. OTA and ispw. No success on 16PM.

(14PM on the other hand no issues OTA)

 

[P_Watt]

Today I learned you can set accessibility settings on a per app basis. Like borders just on the Home Screen but no other app? You can do that!

Everyone probably already knows about this.

For quite a few years, yes!

 

[Satya Kishore]

iOS 26.4 Beta 1​

Release Date ― February 16, 2026
Build Number ― 23E5207q
Darwin Kernel Version ―

iOS 26.4 Beta 1 Release Notes

New Issues

• Redesigned App Store account panel doesn’t load in Lockdown Mode

Remaining Issues
Resolved Issues
Features
Additional Notes

• Developers and testers can report bugs using the Feedback app. If you put your settings back on “None” for the betas, you can still open the app by entering the following URL in Safari:
• iOS 26 Overview
• iOS 26 Press Release
• iOS 26 Release Notes
• iOS Beta Release Notes
• iOS Security Updates

Spoiler: Modem Firmware

• iPhone 17 series: 1.54.01
• iPhone Air: 2.02.03
• iPhone 16 series: 2.40.01
• iPhone 16e: 2.02.03
• iPhone 15 series: 3.50.02
• iPhone 14 series: 4.40.01
• iPhone 13 series and iPhone SE (3rd gen): 5.40.01
• iPhone 12 series: 5.10.01
• iPhone 11 series, iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPad Air (Cellular, 4th gen): 6.50.00

Spoiler: Carrier Version

Australia

• Optus - 64.5.8
• Telstra - 64.5.13
• Vodafone AU - 66.5.1

Belgium

• BASE - 33.0
• Orange B - 58
• Proximus - 45.0
• Telenet - 66.0

Brazil (info updated 26.4b1, last change in 26.4b1)

• Claro Brasil - 68.5
• Vivo - 68.5.1
• TIM -
• Oi - declared bankrupt in Nov 10th 2025

Canada

• Bell - 62.8
• Fido - 56.0
• Fizz - 53.0
• Freedom/Shaw Mobile - 54.8.6
• Mint Mobile - 58.0
• Public Mobile - 54.8.4
• Rogers - 68.5
• Telus - 54.8.8
• Videotron - 53.0
• Virgin Mobile - 50.0

Denmark

• 3 DK - 46.7.11
• TDC 68.0
• Norlys 68.0

Finland

• DNA - 58.5.7

France

• Bouygues Telecom - 40.0
• Orange France - 63.0
• Free - 68.0
• SFR -

Germany

• Vodafone.de - 66.5.2 and RCS enabled
• Telekom.de - 67.5.3 and RCS enabled
• o2-de - 61.6.1 RCS enabled

Greece:

• Cosmote - 38.0

Guatemala

• TIGO GT - 49.0

India

• Airtel - 58.5.18
• Jio - 58.5.18 (iPhone) and 58.5.18 (iPad)
• Vi India (Vodafone Idea) - 58.5

Ireland

• Eir - 33.5
• Vodafone IE - 38.0

Mexico

• AT&T - 57.0
• Telcel - 57.6

Morocco

• Orange - 50.0

Netherlands

• KPN - 61.0
• Vodafone NL - 45.0
• Odido -

Poland

• T-Mobile - 64.5.4
• Orange - 64.5.2
• Play - 61.0
• Plus - 61.0

Portugal

• Vodafone P - 40.0

Romania

• Orange RO - 55.0

Slovakia

• Orange SK - 57.6

Southeast Asia

• Singapore Singtel -
• Philippines Globe - 68.0
• Philippines Globe (iPad) - 38.0
• Philippines Smart - 68.0
• Thailand AIS - 53.0
• Thailand DTAC - 53.0
• Malaysia Umobile - 33.0
• Malaysia Maxis -33.0
• Malaysia Digi -
• Malaysia celcom -
• Hong Kong - 32.0
• Taiwan -

Spain

• Orange ES - 68.0
• DIGI ES - 54.8.4
• Vodafone ES - 54.8.8
• Movistar - 67.5.1
• Yoigo - 68.0

Sweden

• Comviq -
• Tre - 31.0

Switzerland

• Salt - 58.0
• Sunrise - 68.0
• Swisscom - 68.0

Turkey

• Turkcell (Lifecell) - 36.5.5
• Vodafone TR - 32.0
• Turk Telekom - 32.0

United Kingdom

• BT-UK (EE MVNO) - 68.5
• EE - 68.5
• Giffgaff (O2 MVNO) -
• iD Mobile (Three MVNO) - 68.0
• Lebara (Vodafone MVNO) - 67.5.1
• Lyca (EE MVNO) - 68.5
• Mozillion (EE MVNO) - 68.5
• O2-UK - 68.0
• Sky (O2 MVNO) - 68.0
• Three - 68.0
• Virgin Mobile (O2 MVNO) -
• Vodafone UK - 64.5.5

United States

• AT&T - 68.0
• Boost - 57.0
• Cricket - 60.5.5
• FirstNet - 55.0
• FirstNet (iPad) - 41.7.6
• Metro (TMO MVNO) - 68.5
• Spectrum (VZW MVNO) - 68.0
• T-Mobile - 68.0
• TracFone/Straight Talk/Walmart Family Mobile - 63.5
• U.S. Cellular - 46.7.24
• Ultra/Mint Mobile (TMO MVNO) - 64.5.16
• Verizon - 68.0
• Visible (VZW MVNO) - 68.0
• Xfinity Mobile - 67.5.1

Other

• Docomo - 32.5.10
• AlwaysOnline -

Historical beta release chart

iOS Version History Chart

iOS version history chart

www.thinkybits.com

Is this really correct info, since few releases its not matching with the Modem Firmware and carrier Version of A16 Series . not only Beta version , even official version also not matching... Not expected this here ..

 

[LutzRFrank]

Is this really correct info, since few releases its not matching with the Modem Firmware and carrier Version of A16 Series . not only Beta version , even official version also not matching... Not expected this here ..

this relies heavily on user input, sharing their own device info and is highly appreciated to anyone contributing.
Be happy to see what was already updated - the actual data of your setup should easily accessible on your own device.

You will be I think be able to edit too after the "newbie" phase.

 

[MadRed]

So many bugs. My phone has all kind of notifications issues. I know it’s early beta so need to point that out. It just seems too severe, maybe it indicates changes in the core to possibly accommodate AI integration. Mail is weird. Slowness all around, background issues. CarPlay no longer consistently connects.

Hoping beta 2 will address some of this.

 

[R3locswx]

@LutzRFrank

Is this still true if you turn Apple Intelligence off?

Apple Intelligence isn’t available on the iPhone 15 (non-Pro), so that wouldn’t apply to me. The storage increase occurred regardless, so it seems unrelated to AI features.

 

[Roctavious]

Update wiped out all the settings I had for my DND focus. Thankfully that was the only one since my other 2 have a of setting up to do. My focus isn't being shared across my devices. When phone is on DND I still get notifications on Mac and watch.

 

[Ethan.Albano]

Device: iPhone 15 (128GB)
Build: iOS 26.4 Beta 1 (23E5207q)

Issue:
System Data is currently at 71GB and actively increasing.
iOS itself is ~13.4GB.

What I’ve tried:
- Deleted apps
- Checked for ghost/waiting apps (none)
- Airplane mode test
- Rebooted multiple times
- IPSW reinstall via Finder (same build)
- Encrypted local backup
- No pending downloads
- Spotlight indexing allowed to finish

Result:
System Data keeps growing (70 → 71GB within minutes).

This does not behave like normal caching.
Has anyone else on 26.4 Beta 1 seen this?

Is this related to APFS update snapshot behavior?
Does Beta 2 fix it?

I am also experiencing this issue (15PM, Apple Intelligence ON). My device is painfully slow and requires multiple reboots a day the last two days. See here:

Filing a feedback report now. :/