Apple iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default and Fixes 34 Flaws

Apple released iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4, making Stolen Device Protection enabled by default and shipping 34 security fixes across components including Audio, iCloud, Mail, Printing, Siri, and the iOS kernel. The update now requires biometric authentication to view saved passwords and disable Lost Mode on an iPhone, strengthening protections against device theft and account takeover. Apple also issued corresponding 26.4 updates for watchOS, macOS, tvOS, and visionOS.

Alongside the security changes, Apple added several user-facing features across its platforms, including AI-generated Playlist Playground playlists in Apple Music, an Ambient Music widget, offline song recognition in Control Center, native HLS video episode support in Podcasts, average bedtime tracking in Health, and support for third-party AI chatbots in CarPlay once providers update their apps. The release also fixes a long-running keyboard accuracy bug, while the widely rumored upgraded Siri was not included in this version.