Apple today released iOS/iPadOS 26.4 Developer Preview Beta 3 (build number: 23E5223f) to iPhone and iPad users. This update comes 7 days after the last Beta/RC release.
How do I upgrade to the iOS/iPadOS/watchOS/macOS developer and public beta versions?
• Public beta: Requires registration for the Apple Beta Software Program, then upgrade via Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Update;
• Developer Preview: You need to log in and register for the Apple Developer Program, and then upgrade through Settings > General > Software Update.
Here is a complete list of Apple iOS historical firmware downloads:
Apple iOS / iPadOS / macOS Firmware Downloads / Update Logs (Complete List)
As a major update to iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, this beta version brings several new features to the iPhone and iPad, but no signs of a new Siri feature have been found.
Apple Music has introduced a new feature called “Playlist Playground,” which allows users to generate playlists by describing any thought, mood, emotion, or activity in text. Additionally, Apple Music has added a “Concerts Near You” feature, making it easier for users to find local music performances. The interface design has also been refreshed, with albums and playlists featuring full-screen art covers.
Meanwhile, Apple Podcasts is introducing native video podcast functionality. This will enable podcast creators to more easily produce, distribute, and monetize their video podcast content. Video shows will integrate with existing Apple Podcast features, such as personalized recommendations and editorial curated selections.
In the communications field, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption support for RCS. This move will eventually provide complete encryption protection for SMS conversations between Android and iPhone users. Currently, Apple is conducting encryption tests on RCS communication between iPhone users and between iPhone and Android users.
Other notable updates include: stolen device protection is now enabled by default; an ambient music widget has been added; and a new average bedtime metric has been added to the sleep app.
Appendix: Release history of iOS / iPadOS 26
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2026-02-24: iOS 26.4 Beta 2 (23E5218e)
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2026-02-17: iOS 26.4 Beta (23E5207q)
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2026-02-12: iOS 26.3 (23D127)
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2026-02-05: iPadOS 26.3 RC (23D125)
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2026-01-27: iOS 26.2.1 (23C71)
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2026-01-27: iOS 26.3 Beta 3 (23D5114d)
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2026-01-13: iOS 26.3 Beta 2 (23D5103d)
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2025-12-16: iOS 26.3 Beta (23D5089e)
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2025-12-13: iOS 26.2 (23C55)
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2025-12-04: iOS 26.2 RC (23C52)
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2025-11-18: iOS 26.2 Beta 3 (23C5044b)
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2025-11-13: iOS 26.2 Beta 2 (23C5033g)
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2025-11-05: iOS 26.2 Beta (23C5027f)
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2025-11-04: iOS 26.1 (23B85)
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2025-10-29: iOS 26.1 RC (23B82)
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2025-10-21: iOS 26.1 Beta 4 (23B5073a)
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2025-10-14: iOS 26.1 Beta 3 (23B5064e)
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2025-10-07: iOS 26.1 Beta 2 (23B5059e)
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2025-09-30: iOS 26.0.1 (23A355)
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2025-09-26: iOS 26.1 Beta (23B5044l)
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2025-09-16: iOS 26 (23A341)
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2025-09-03: iOS 26 Beta 9 (23A5336a)
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2025-08-26: iOS 26 Beta 8 (23A5330a)
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2025-08-19: iOS 26 Beta 7 (23A5326a)
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2025-08-12: iOS 26 Beta 6 (23A5318c)
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2025-08-06: iOS 26 Beta 5 (23A5308g)
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2025-07-23: iOS 26 Beta 4 (23A5297i)
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2025-07-08: iOS 26 Beta 3 (23A5287g)
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2025-06-24: iOS 26 Beta 2 (23A5276f)
