5 changes to know about in Apple’s latest iOS, macOS, and iPadOS betas

The 26.4 update is the first update to start testing encryption for RCS messages. But like the initial RCS rollout, Apple is moving slowly and deliberately: For now, encrypted RCS messaging only works when texting between Apple devices, not between Apple devices and Android phones. This feature also won’t be included in the final 26.4 release – it’s included in the beta for testing purposes only, and will be available to customers in “a future software update for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS.”

Encrypted iMessage and RCS chats will be labeled with a lock icon, similar to how most web browsers label HTTPS sites.

To support encrypted messaging, Apple will move from version 2.4 of the RCS Universal Profile to version 3.0. This should also enable support for a number of improvements in versions 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of the RCS standard, including previously iMessage-exclusive things like editing and recalling messages and inline replying to specific messages.

Return of the “compact” Safari tab bar

As part of the macOS 12 Monterey/iPadOS 15 beta cycle in 2021, Apple attempted a pretty radical redesign of the Safari browser that combined your tabs and address bar into one, with the goal of increasing the amount of viewable space on the pages you’re viewing. By the time both operating systems were released to the public, Safari’s default design had more or less returned to its previous state, but the “Compact” tab view existed as an alternative view in Settings for those who preferred it.

Tahoe, the Safari 26 update, and iPadOS 26 all removed that compact view entirely, although a version of the compact view became the default for the iPhone version of Safari. The macOS 26.4, Safari 26.4, and iPadOS 26.4 updates restore the compact tabs option in other versions of Safari.

Stolen device protection on-by-default

Originally introduced in the iOS 17.3 update, Apple’s “Stolen Device Protection” toggle for iPhones added an extra layer of protection for users who had their phones stolen by people who learned their passcodes. With Stolen Device Protection enabled, an iPhone that was removed from “familiar locations, such as home or work” will require biometric Face ID or Touch ID authentication before accessing stored passwords and credit cards, erasing your phone, or changing the Apple account password. Normally, users can enter their passcode as a fallback; Stolen device protection removes that fallback.