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Back at WWDC 2025, Apple revealed that it was planning to allow CarPlay users to watch video via AirPlay in their vehicles while they are not driving, and the first beta of iOS 26.4 suggests the feature may be nearing availability. The original mention of the feature appeared on Apple's CarPlay page for developers within a section specific to automakers, indicating that CarPlay with AirPlay video is something automakers will need to implement with on their end. Presumably, this is because there needs to be integration with vehicle systems to ensure that the feature can only be used while the vehicle is parked so as to hinder the potential for distracted driving. The first iOS 26.4 beta seeded to developers today includes a number of new references to ‌CarPlay‌ video playback, including features like onboarding flows, notifications, and more. Unsurprisingly, it appears that Apple TV will likely support the ‌CarPlay‌ video feature when it launches, as there are additional references to interacting with the TV app while using ‌CarPlay‌, such as a message that would pop up informing users that they will need to subscribe to ‌Apple TV‌ on their iPhone while not driving if they attempt to access subscription content. While the new code in iOS 26.4 provides evidence that Apple is moving toward launching the feature, there are no guarantees that it will ultimately become available with the public release of the update, as Apple sometimes removes code found in early betas or continues building on it in subsequent updates before the features go live. And with car manufacturers needing to add support for it on their end, it's unclear how quickly ‌CarPlay‌ video will roll out across various makes and models once the feature does launch.Related Roundup: CarPlayRelated Forum: HomePod, HomeKit, CarPlay, Home & Auto Technology This article, "iOS 26.4 Lays Groundwork for CarPlay Video, Including Apple TV" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Hip hop heavyweight J. Cole is officially heading back Down Under, announcing a massive global arena run that’ll see the rap icon hit Australia as part of his newly unveiled Fall-Off Tour. The sprawling world tour will span more than 50 cities across North America, Europe, the UK, Africa, Australia and New Zealand – but for Aussie fans, the big takeaway is simple: Cole World is coming back to local stages. The arena trek marks J. Cole’s first solo headline tour in five years, and his first full global run in nearly a decade. J. Cole – ‘The Fall-Off is Inevitable’ The tour lands in support of his brand-new seventh studio album The Fall Off, which dropped earlier this month via Cole World, Inc. and Interscope. It’s been one of the most anticipated releases of his career, long rumoured, heavily teased, and now finally out in the world – meaning fans can expect plenty of fresh material alongside the classics when he touches down on our shores. Globally, the tour kicks off in Charlotte, North Carolina this July before weaving through major cities including Miami, Toronto, London, Paris and Amsterdam, eventually wrapping with a stadium show in Johannesburg this December – marking J. Cole’s first return to South Africa in a decade. Local fans keen to lock in seats should get their clicking fingers ready. Artist presale kicks off Wednesday, February 18 at 9am local time, with additional presales rolling out across the week before general tickets go on sale Friday, February 20 at 11am via the official tour site. It’s been a hot minute since Aussie crowds last got a full arena-scale J. Cole headline experience – and with a new era officially underway, this one’s shaping up to be a must-see. Suss the details below. J. Cole 2026 Australian Tour Dates Wed Nov 25 — Brisbane, AU — Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sat Nov 28 — Melbourne, AU — Rod Laver Arena Tue Dec 01 — Sydney, AU — Qudos Bank Arena Tickets will be available starting Wednesday, February 18 at 9am local time via an artist presale. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, February 20 at 11am local time at thefalloff.com Further Reading J. Cole Teases New Music ‘The Fall Off’ In A DVD-Styled Vlog Love Letter To A Record: Jarryd James On J. Cole’s ‘Born Sinner’ Love Letter To A Record: Tuka On J Cole’s ‘KOD’ The post J. Cole Announces 2026 Australian Shows For Huge Global Arena Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Lorde has officially kicked off the Aussie leg of her Ultrasound tour – and if opening night in Brisbane is anything to go by, fans are in for a seriously stacked show. The Kiwi pop powerhouse hit the stage last night (February 16) with a sprawling 24-song set (including a two-song encore) that blends brand new material with career-defining favourites. And yep, spoiler lovers, she really is delivering the full Virgin experience live. Lorde – ‘Current Affairs’ Touring in support of her chart-topping fourth album, Lorde performed every track from Virgin across the night – not front-to-back, but woven seamlessly through the set alongside beloved cuts from Melodrama and Pure Heroine. That means fans get the emotional gut-punch of Liability, the euphoric chaos of Green Light, and the fresh, shimmering energy of Hammer, GRWM, Clearblue and more – all in one beautifully curated rollercoaster. The show leans heavily into fan faves from across Lorde’s catalogue, while Solar Power gets a lighter touch (with just a couple of appearances), keeping the spotlight firmly on the new era. There’s even a B-stage moment and a “non-encore encore” situation, because Lorde’s gonna Lorde. If you’ve got tickets for the remaining Aussie dates and want to know exactly what emotional devastation awaits – here’s what she played on opening night. Setlist spoilers and remaining tour dates listed below. Lorde — Ultrasound Tour Setlist (Brisbane, Feb 16) Hammer Royals Broken Glass Buzzcut Season Favourite Daughter Perfect Places Shapeshifter Current Affairs Supercut GRWM 400 Lux The Louvre Oceanic Feeling Solar Power Liability Clearblue Man of the Year If She Could See Me Now Team What Was That Green Light David (performed through pit to B-stage) Encore: A World Alone Ribs Lorde Ultrasound 2026 Australian Tour – Remaining Dates Wednesday, February 18th – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney NSW Thursday, February 19th – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney NSW Saturday, February 21st – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC – SOLD OUT Sunday, February 22nd – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC Wednesday, February 25th – RAC Arena, Perth WA Further Reading Lorde Announces 2026 ‘Ultrasound’ Australian Tour Dates “An Ode To City Life & Horniness”: Lorde Shares New Single ‘Hammer’ Love Letter To A Record: Miramar On Lorde’s ‘Melodrama’ The post SETLIST SPOILERS: Lorde’s ‘Ultrasound’ Australian Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

US heavy-hitting genre blenders Fire From The Gods are finally heading down under, announcing their long-awaited debut Australian tour set to ignite stages across the country this August 2026. The Austin-born wrecking crew will bring their signature fusion of hard rock, metal, hardcore and hip-hop to Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, delivering the kind of explosive live show that’s earned them a reputation as one of modern heavy music’s most electrifying acts. Fire From The Gods – ‘Human’ Across the years, the band have built serious global momentum, tearing up stages at major festivals including Rock Am Ring, Hellfest, Graspop, Aftershock and Warped Tour, while sharing bills with everyone from Korn, Metallica and Megadeth to Cypress Hill, Ice Cube and FKA twigs. It’s a genre-smashing résumé that mirrors their sound: unfiltered, high-impact and impossible to pigeonhole. Their arrival in Australia also comes off the back of brand-new single ‘Human’ (listen above), a raw and urgent statement signalling a powerful new era for the band. Written alongside Sevendust’s Clint Lowery and produced by Richard Wicander, the track captures everything Fire From The Gods do best – intensity, emotion and unapologetic force. Suss all the dates and details down below. Fire From The Gods 2026 Australian Tour Dates Tuesday August 4 – The Rosemount, PERTH Thursday August 6 – Manning Bar, SYDNEY Friday August 7 – The Corner Hotel, MELBOURNE Saturday August 8 – Crowbar, BRISBANE Tickets on sale now here Further Reading Hellbound Returns: Australia’s Metal Cruise Locked In For January 2027 6 Times Behemoth Offended God (And Built A Metal Empire Doing It) Sydney’s Crowbar To Host Official Wacken Open Air Warm-Up Party This April The post Fire From The Gods Lock In First-Ever Australian Headline Tour appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

A deeply moving new documentary about the life and legacy of Jeff Buckley is heading to Australian cinemas this April – and for fans of one of music’s most hauntingly brilliant voices, it promises to be essential viewing. It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley – directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Amy Berg (Janis: Little Girl Blue, West of Memphis) – traces the extraordinary rise of the Grace singer, whose boundary-pushing artistry and otherworldly voice reshaped the musical landscape of the ’90s before his sudden death at age 30. The film draws on never-before-seen archival footage alongside intimate reflections from Buckley’s mother Mary Guibert, former partners Rebecca Moore and Joan Wasser, bandmates Michael Tighe and Parker Kindred, and fellow artists including Ben Harper and Aimee Mann. It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley | Official Trailer | Aussie audiences will feel an especially strong pull toward the film. Buckley shared a deep connection with this country, where Grace achieved enormous success – reaching the ARIA Top 10 and eventually earning eight-times platinum status. He toured Australia extensively across 1995 and 1996, building a fiercely devoted local following through intimate early shows before returning to packed venues, including three sold-out nights at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre. Timed to mark the 30th anniversary of his first Australian tour, the documentary arrives as both tribute and time capsule – exploring the gift, pressure and emotional depth that shaped Buckley’s life and music. Director Amy Berg describes the film as a “labour of love,” saying Buckley’s story remains as powerful and relevant now as it was three decades ago. The doco has already screened to strong acclaim, making its Australian premiere at the Sydney Film Festival in 2025 before appearing at MIFF, Adelaide Film Festival and the Brisbane International Film Festival. Nearly three decades after his passing, Buckley’s influence still echoes across generations of artists and listeners alike. And with It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley landing in cinemas across Australia on 30 April 2026, fans will soon have a chance to experience his story – and his music – in an entirely new light. Further Reading You’ll Soon Be Able To Book A Stay At Jeff Buckley’s Old Memphis Home On Airbnb Love Letter to a Record: Baby Cool on Jeff Buckley’s ‘Grace’ Exclusive: Watch Jeff Buckley’s Intense & Gripping Live Performance Of ‘Eternal Life’ In Previously Unseen Footage The post An Acclaimed Jeff Buckley Documentary Is Coming To Aussie Cinemas appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Hermitude are back – and they’re bringing a brand new record and a fresh round of dancefloor mayhem with them. The globally adored Aussie electronic duo have announced their eighth studio album, appropriately titled EIGHT, arriving Friday 17 April. To celebrate, Elgusto and Luke Dubs will hit the road this May for a national run lighting up venues across Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney and Brisbane – transforming rooms into full-blown communal rave zones in the process. Hermitude – ‘Over You’ Built around energy, simplicity and what the pair describe as “genre-maxxing”, EIGHT pulls from techno, breaks, UK garage and classic rave euphoria – all driven by a core belief that dancefloors still have the power to bring people together. “Joy feels vital right now, almost like an act of rebellion,” the duo say. “The dancefloor has always been one of the few places where differences dissolve.” The album’s title came to both members separately – drawn to the number eight as both a milestone and a symbol of infinity. Fitting, really, for a duo whose career now spans more than two decades and counting. EIGHT continues Hermitude’s collaborative streak, featuring work with DEVAURA and Adrian Dzvuke, plus a blistering team-up with UK punk-rap duo Bob Vylan and a soaring anthem with IsGwan. Sonically, it’s been polished by renowned mastering engineer Matt Colton (Tame Impala, Aphex Twin, Little Simz, James Blake), while acclaimed artist Michael Askew has helped shape the album’s bold visual world – blending ancient symbolism with modern rave aesthetics. The announcement follows recent singles ‘Over You’, ‘Royalty’ and ‘For The Night’, each hinting at the record’s expansive, high-energy direction. It’s the latest chapter in a career that’s already seen Hermitude dominate stages from Coachella and Glastonbury to the Sydney Opera House, win the Australian Music Prize for Hyperparadise, and rack up hundreds of millions of streams worldwide – including the platinum smash ‘The Buzz’. Now, with EIGHT on the horizon, they’re ready to do what they do best: turn dancefloors into shared moments of absolute release. You can pre-order the LP here, steam new single ‘Over You’ above, or suss all the details of their forthcoming album tour down below. Hermitude ‘EIGHT’ 2026 Australian Tour Dates Supported by IsGwan* Sunday 19 April – Earp Distilling Co, Newcastle Saturday 2 May – The Factory, Cairns Friday 15 May – The Gov, Adelaide* Saturday 16 May – Ice Cream Factory Warehouse, Perth* Friday 22 May – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne* Saturday 23 May – ODEON, Hobart* Friday 29 May – Metro Theatre, Sydney* Saturday 30 May – Tivoli, Brisbane* Spotify fans only presale: 10am (AEDT) Tue 17 Feb 2026 Website mailing list presale: 10am (AEDT) Wed 18 Feb 2026 Tickets onsale to the general public: 10am (AEDT) Thu 19 Feb 2026 Further Reading triple j’s Like A Version in 2019 triple j’s Like A Version in 2012 triple j’s Like A Version in 2008 The post Hermitude Announce New Album ‘EIGHT’ + National Tour For May appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

After a couple of uncertain years and plenty of crossed fingers from the Moo Crew, Groovin The Moo is officially returning in 2026 – just in a different format. The beloved regional touring festival will make its comeback with a one-off, single-day event in Lismore on Saturday 9 May, marking the first step in what organisers describe as a long-term rebuild for one of Australia’s most cherished live music institutions. Groovin the Moo 2023 Weekend One After-Movie First launched in 2005, GTM carved out a unique place in Aussie music culture by taking major lineups directly to regional communities – a model that helped shape generations of live music fans. But after the 2024 cancellation and no return in 2025, the future of the festival looked shaky. Now, it’s back, albeit deliberately smaller, more focused, and designed to grow sustainably from the ground up. The 2026 edition will run from 11am to 10pm at Oakes Oval in Lismore (Widjabul/Wia-bal Country) as an all-ages, single-stage event. Organisers say starting with one show allows them to rebuild carefully while staying true to GTM’s regional heart. “This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for,” Fuzzy CEO Adelle Robinson said in a press statement. “The festival belongs to regional Australia.” The comeback is being presented by Great Southern Nights, with support from the NSW Government, Destination NSW and ARIA – backing organisers say was essential to making the return possible. Lismore was chosen not only for its strong creative identity but also to support a region that’s faced major challenges in recent years. The event is intended to deliver both a major cultural moment and a tangible boost for the local economy. GTM will also partner with Our Kids as official charity, donating $2 from every ticket sold to help families access local medical care. The lineup and ticket details are still to come, but anticipation is already high – especially after the festival last ran in full touring form in 2023 before industry pressures forced a rethink. For now, Groovin The Moo isn’t gone, it’s rebuilding. And regional Australia is, as always, front and centre. Groovin The Moo 2026 Saturday, 9th May 2026 – Oakes Oval, Lismore (Widjabul/Wia-bal Country), NSW – All Ages Sign up for the pre-sale here General Admission from $125 + BF Cream Of The Crop VIP $190 + BF Mini Moo’s (Under 12) free when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian Ages 12–17 $90 + BF when accompanied by a ticket-holding parent or guardian MobTix for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Affordability tickets for select Concession Card holders available to request $90 + BF Lismore Locals will have exclusive access to the ‘Homegrown Groovers’ presale, simply check ‘I’m a Lismore Local’ in the presale sign up form. Further Reading Groovin The Moo Confirms It Will Not Return In 2025 Groovin The Moo 2024 Cancelled Here’s Why Splendour In The Grass 2024 Was Cancelled The post Groovin The Moo Is Back In 2026 – But Not As We Know It appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Sydney metalheads, consider this your official pre-game. The spirit of Wacken Open Air – the biggest metal festival on Earth – is landing at Crowbar this April as part of a global 35th anniversary celebration connecting heavy scenes across the planet. On April 18, 35 official Wacken Warm-Up shows will take place across 35 countries on the same day – from Europe and the UK to Asia, the Americas and right here in Australia. Sydney is hosting one of only a handful of Southern Hemisphere events, meaning local fans will be plugging directly into a worldwide metal celebration without needing to trek to Germany’s muddy meadows. Wacken Open Air 2025 – Official Aftermovie Leading the charge at Crowbar are co-headliners Our Last Enemy and Witchgrinder, joined by a stacked supporting lineup of Küntsquäd, Shatterface and Age of Emergence. Expect riffs, volume, sweat and a whole lot of international metal solidarity. For 35 years, Wacken Open Air has been more than just a festival – it’s been a global gathering point where underground lifers and stadium-sized legends stand shoulder to shoulder. These Warm-Up shows are a reminder that even if you’re thousands of kilometres from the famous fields of northern Germany, you’re still part of the same worldwide metal community. On April 18, borders drop, amps go up, and Sydney joins the global headbang. See you in the pit. Sydney Wacken Open-Air Warm-Up Party Saturday, 18th April – Crowbar, Sydney Featuring Our Last Enemy, Witchgrinder, Küntsquäd, Shatterface and Age of Emergence Get your Early Birds Tickets here: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/bfab6b78-064b-4912-90b6-bb891f1a3878 Official Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/2108307446609979 Further Reading Hellbound Returns: Australia’s Metal Cruise Locked In For January 2027 6 Times Behemoth Offended God (And Built A Metal Empire Doing It) NEWS FLASHBACK: Our Last Enemy – Tearing It Down, One More Time The post Sydney’s Crowbar To Host Official Wacken Open Air Warm-Up Party This April appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Post-hardcore storytellers La Dispute are officially heading back to Australia, locking in a national headline run this October in support of their latest album, No One Was Driving The Car. The Michigan five-piece will kick things off at Perth’s Astor Theatre on October 16 before rolling through Frankston, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney and Newcastle, wrapping up at Brisbane’s Tivoli on October 25. Joining them on all dates are Meanjin/Brisbane noise collective, Special Features. La Dispute – ‘No One Was Driving The Car’ In a move that feels very on-brand for a band built on community and connection, six of the seven Aussie shows will be all ages (with Melbourne 18+ and Perth licensed / all ages). Vocalist Jordan Dreyer says that accessibility is intentional – a nod to the all-ages venues that shaped the band in their early years in West Michigan and helped spark their own creative path. The tour celebrates No One Was Driving The Car, released in September 2025 via Epitaph Records – La Dispute’s first album in six years following Panorama. Entirely self-produced and inspired in part by the psychological thriller First Reformed, the record explores modern anxiety, existential drift and life in an increasingly mediated world. Its title was drawn from a news report about a fatal self-driving car crash – a metaphor Dreyer says captures the unsettling sense that much of modern life feels directionless, automated and out of our control. Musically, the album sharpens the band’s already intense emotional palette – pairing primal vocal eruptions with more refined melodic passages and guitars that cut harder than ever. It was pieced together across multiple locations including Michigan, the UK, Australia and the Philippines, with shifting environments helping reshape the creative process along the way. Opening each night are Special Features – a Brisbane four-piece known for their chaotic, cathartic live shows that feel somewhere between a noise set and group therapy. With rotating vocalists, zero hierarchy and a debut album due in 2026, they’re rapidly building a reputation as one of Australia’s most visceral underground acts. Peep all the tour dates and details down below. La Dispute 2026 No One Was Driving The Car Australian Tour Dates Supported by Special Features Friday 16 October, 2026 – Astor Theatre, Perth (Lic All Ages, patrons under 18 can attend with a parent/guardian over 18) Sunday 18 October, 2026 – Singing Bird, Frankston (All Ages) Monday 19 October, 2026 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+) Wednesday 21 October, 2026 – The Gov, Adelaide (All Ages) Friday 23 October, 2026 – Liberty Hall, Sydney (All Ages) Saturday 24 October, 2026 – King Street, Newcastle (All Ages) Sunday October 25, 2026 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (All Ages) TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, FEB 20, 10AM (LOCAL) VIA LIVE NATION Mastercard Presale – Wed 18 Feb, 9am > Fri 20 Feb, 9am (local) (excluding Adelaide & Newcastle Live Nation Presale – Thu 19 Feb, 9am > Fri 20 Feb, 9am (local) Further Reading HEALTH Announce 2026 Australian Headline Tour With Perturbator & King Yosef Mariachi El Bronx & The Bronx Announce Wild Double-Header Aussie Tour for 2026 NEWS FLASHBACK: My Chemical Romance, Slipknot And More Cuddle Their Pets In Touché Amoré’s ‘Reminders’ Video The post La Dispute Announce 2026 Australian Headline Tour With Special Features appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Industrial chaos merchants HEALTH are officially heading back to Australia – and they’re bringing some seriously dystopian company with them. The L.A. trio will return this September for a national headline run, joined by French darksynth heavyweight PERTURBATOR and industrial hardcore shape-shifter KING YOSEF. The tour kicks off Friday 18 September in Brisbane before tearing through Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart and Adelaide, wrapping things up in Fremantle on Saturday 26 September. HEALTH – ‘ANTIDOTE’ If you’ve ever seen HEALTH live, you already know the drill: beautiful brutality, brooding atmospheres and beats that feel like dancing at the end of the world. Across nearly two decades, six studio albums and a cult-like global following, the band have carved out a singular space where industrial noise, pop hooks and existential dread collide. Along the way they’ve collaborated with everyone from Nine Inch Nails and Lamb of God to Poppy, soundtracked video games, built a meme-savvy online empire and turned modern anxiety into an art form you can mosh to. Their latest era has only amplified that rep. Following 2023’s RAT WARS, HEALTH expanded their sonic universe with 2025’s CONFLICT DLC, a neon-lit extension packed with fan faves and fresh chaos alike. Aussie audiences have already proven their devotion – with an almost entirely sold-out headline run in 2024 and a return for Knotfest Australia in 2025 cementing them as one of the most reliably intense live acts to hit our stages. And ofc, they won’t be arriving alone. PERTURBATOR returns armed with his signature cyberpunk-meets-metal darksynth, fresh from 2025 album Age of Aquarius, while KING YOSEF brings his volatile fusion of industrial hardcore, noise and blown-out electronic aggression. Suss all the details down below. HEALTH 2026 Australian Tour Dates Supported by PERTURBATOR and KING YOSEF FRIDAY 18 SEPTEMBER – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE SATURDAY 19 SEPTEMBER – THE ROUNDHOUSE, SYDNEY SUNDAY 20 SEPTEMBER – THE FORUM, MELBOURNE WEDNESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER – THE ODEON, HOBART FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – THE GOV, ADELAIDE SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – METROPOLIS, FREMANTLE General tickets on sale: Friday 20 February @ 10am local time via destroyalllines.com Further Reading From Bonus EP To Sonic Apocalypse: Inside HEALTH’s New Album ‘CONFLICT DLC’ Track By Track: HEALTH’s John Famiglietti Breaks Down ‘RAT WARS’ Skindred Announce Biggest Ever Australian Headline Tour For September 2026 The post HEALTH Announce 2026 Australian Headline Tour With Perturbator & King Yosef appeared first on Music Feeds. View the full article

Apple today provided developers with the first beta of an upcoming iOS 26.4 update, which adds quite a few new features to the iPhone. There's a video podcasts feature, updates to Stolen Device Protection, end-to-end encryption for RCS messages, an Apple Music tool for generating playlists, and much more. We've rounded up everything we've found that's new in the first beta of iOS 26.4. The beta is limited to developers right now, but Apple should release a public beta in the next couple of weeks. iOS 26.4 is expected to launch this spring. Playlist Playground ‌Apple Music‌ has a new Playlist Playground feature that lets users create a playlist with a text-based prompt. In the ‌Apple Music‌ app, there's an option to type in an idea and get automatic song suggestions for a playlist. Apple has some pre-set suggestions that include "morning coffee music," "hip-hop party songs," and "disco songs that defined the 1970s," but you can type in any idea, mood, or feeling. From there, the Playlist Playground feature will automatically generate a list of 25 songs, along with a custom title. Playlists that you create can be customized further with additional text prompts, and you can select a cover and a description. Apple Music ‌Apple Music‌ features a "Concerts Near You" feature that helps you find shows in your area and tour dates for artists that you're a fan of. Apple has redesigned albums and playlists, adding full-page artwork. Apple Podcasts With iOS 26.4, Apple is adding video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. The feature uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to provide podcast creators with "unprecedented control and monetization opportunities" while also providing a high-quality viewing experience. The iOS 26.4 Podcasts app will let users switch between watching and listening to shows, with videos able to be downloaded for offline viewing. HLS ensures smooth playback regardless of network connection, so videos will work on Wi-Fi or cellular. Apple says that the new video episodes will integrate with existing ‌Apple Podcasts‌ features, including personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions in the New and Category sections. Stolen Device Protection Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default for all ‌iPhone‌ users, rather than being an opt-in feature. Apple implemented Stolen Device Protection back in 2023 after reports about a new ‌iPhone‌ theft method. Thieves would spy on an intended victim to learn their passcode, then steal the target's ‌iPhone‌. With the passcode, criminals were able to empty bank accounts, access passwords, and turn off Find My. Stolen Device Protection requires additional authentication through Face ID or Touch ID to access certain ‌iPhone‌ features like the Passwords app, Lost mode in ‌Find My‌, Safari purchases, and more. Some features are disabled entirely without authentication, while others have a one-hour security delay. End-to-End RCS Encryption for Messages With iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4, Apple is testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for ‌RCS‌ messages, a security feature that is not currently available for cross-platform messaging. Apple has been working with the GSM Association to implement E2EE for ‌RCS‌ messages. iMessage, the messaging protocol for sending texts between iPhones, has long supported end-to-end encryption. ‌RCS‌ messages between Android devices have also featured E2EE, but there was no full encryption for Android to ‌iPhone‌ (or vice versa) communications. With the addition of E2EE for ‌RCS‌, messages between ‌iPhone‌ users and Android users will eventually be just as secure as iMessage. Messages sent by ‌RCS‌ that have end-to-end encryption will feature a lock icon in the conversation interface. As of right now, Apple is testing iPhone-to-iPhone ‌RCS‌ encryption, with the feature set to roll out for ‌iPhone‌ and Android conversations in a future iOS 26 update. Messages that feature E2EE will feature a lock icon in the conversation UI, both for iMessages and ‌RCS‌ Messages. Messages App There are new animations in the Messages app for actions like launching a new conversation. Apple Account Unified Design In the App Store, ‌Apple Music‌, and other apps that have user settings, there is a new unified Apple Account hub that replaces the existing profile feature. It offers largely the same functionality as the prior profile settings for each app, but there is a new unified design. The ‌App Store‌ merges apps and purchase history, and has a dedicated section for app updates. It now takes two taps to get to app updates rather than having them available at the bottom of the profile page. The ‌App Store‌'s navigation bar also no longer features Search as a separate button, and the search bar itself is at the top when tapped rather than the bottom. Ambient Music Widget There is a new Ambient Music widget for the Home and Lock Screen. It supports playing different built-in ambient music options for sleep, productivity, wellbeing, and more. Wallpaper and Watch Face Gallery The Wallpaper Gallery has an updated design that allows Wallpapers from each category like Weather, Astronomy, Emoji, Colors and More to be downloaded to the ‌iPhone‌. The Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app also features the same design change. Freeform Creator Studio Freeform Creator Studio is live in iOS 26.4, allowing Creator Studio subscribers to access new Freeform features. Creator Studio for Freeform adds a dedicated Content Hub that houses the Freeform shape options. Creator Studio users will be able to access free, high-quality content like graphics, photos, and illustrations that are not available to non-subscribers, plus there are AI capabilities for creating and editing images. When Creator Studio launched, Apple said the premium content and features in Freeform would be coming to the Apple Creator Studio subscription later this year. Freeform also has a new icon. Reminders The Reminders app has a new "Urgent" section. Reminders that have Urgent toggled on during creation will show up here. Urgent ensures that reminders have an accompanying alarm so you get a clear warning when a reminder is due. iCloud Web Settings In the iCloud section of the Settings app, there's now an "iCloud.com" option if you scroll all the way to the bottom of the interface. It replaces the simple "Access ‌iCloud‌ Data on the Web" toggle that was previously available. The setting includes a new "Allow Search" toggle that lets trusted Apple devices provide search results to iCloud.com. New Emoji There aren't new emoji in iOS 26.4, but code suggests that new characters will be introduced in a future beta. There are references to new emoji, and we are expecting several new emoji options. Emoji characters that are coming include trombone, treasure chest, distorted face, hairy creature (aka Bigfoot or Sasquatch), fight cloud, apple core, orca, landslide, and ballet dancers. Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Devices (EU) In the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple tested a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an ‌iPhone‌ to be forwarded to a third-party wearable device like an Android smartwatch, but it was not included in the launch version of the software. It is back in the iOS 26.4 beta. Notifications can only be forwarded to a single device at a time, so if Notification Forwarding is enabled with a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch won't be able to receive and display notifications. Apple is adding notification forwarding to address antitrust complaints suggesting that third-party wearables should have the same access to notifications and other features as the Apple Watch. It is limited to the European Union. Proximity Pairing - EU Only In the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple also tested other Europe-only changes for third-party wearables, which were shared by the European Commission, such as Proximity Pairing. Proximity pairing allows third-party devices to pair with an iOS device in an AirPods-like one-tap way by bringing an accessory close to an ‌iPhone‌ or an iPad. Proximity Pairing was not enabled in iOS 26.3, and it too may come in iOS 26.4. This article, "Everything New in iOS 26.4 Beta 1" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The macOS Tahoe 26.4 beta that Apple released today includes a Charge Limit feature for the Mac. There is a new slider bar that lets Mac users select a charge level from 80 percent to 100 percent. The Charge Limit is a setting that's available in addition to Optimized Battery Charging, and it can prevent a Mac from ever charging to 100 percent. Apple's existing Optimized Battery Charging feature keeps a Mac from charging to 100 percent until it's needed for use, with the option using your daily charging routine to determine when to charge to full. While Optimized Battery Charging can help preserve battery life, it still regularly allows a Mac to charge to 100 percent. The new Charge Limit feature is a hard restriction that keeps a Mac's battery at 80 percent, 85 percent, 90 percent, 95 percent, or 100 percent, giving users more control over the Mac's maximum charging level. Keeping a Mac's battery at 80 percent could increase battery longevity by preserving battery health over time. Charge Limit can be enabled by opening up the System Settings app, going to Battery, and clicking on the "i" button next to Charging. Apple's iPhones have had a charge limit feature since the iPhone 15 lineup launched in 2023.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS Tahoe This article, "Apple Brings iPhone-Style Battery Charge Limits to the Mac in macOS Tahoe 26.4" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 betas that Apple released today reintroduce a compact Safari Tab Bar option for those who prefer that view option. Apple removed the compact tab bar option with the launch of ‌macOS Tahoe‌ and iPadOS 26.4, but there were Mac and iPad users who missed it. The Safari app on Mac and the Safari section of the Settings app on ‌iPad‌ both now feature an option to toggle on the Compact Tab Bar as an alternative to the standard Separate Tab Bar. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 are limited to developers right now, but Apple should release public betas soon. The software is expected to launch in the spring.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS Tahoe This article, "Compact Safari Tab Bar Returns in macOS Tahoe 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

The iOS 26.4 update that Apple is beta testing includes a new "Playlist Playground" feature in the Apple Music app that's designed to let users create a playlist with a text-based prompt. In the ‌Apple Music‌ app, there's an option to type in an idea and get automatic song suggestions for a playlist. Apple has some pre-set suggestions that include "morning coffee music," "hip-hop party songs," and "disco songs that defined the 1970s," but you can type in any idea, mood, or feeling. From there, the Playlist Playground feature will automatically generate a list of 25 songs, along with a custom title. Playlists that you create can be customized further with additional text prompts, and you can select a cover and a description. The Playlist Playground is available in the iOS 26.4 beta, and you can get to it by opening up ‌Apple Music‌, tapping into the Library, and tapping on the "+" button to create a new playlist. If it doesn't show up, you may need to restart your device or the ‌Apple Music‌ app. Playlists can be shared and displayed on your profile, similar to standard playlists. iOS 26.4 is limited to developers right now, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the near future. The software will launch in the spring.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: Apple MusicRelated Forum: iOS 26 This article, "Apple Music 'Playlist Playground' in iOS 26.4 Creates Playlists From Text Prompts" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

macOS Tahoe will be the last version of macOS that supports Intel-based Macs, with Apple planning to phase out Intel Macs entirely following its transition to Apple silicon. Apple today reminded developers and users that future versions of macOS will not support Intel machines, and Rosetta 2 support for apps will end after macOS 27. Starting with ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4, when users launch an app that uses Rosetta 2, there will be a popup letting them know that the app will no longer work when support for Rosetta 2 ends. Apple says that it will continue to support older, unmaintained gaming titles with Rosetta along with software running Intel binaries in Linux VMs beyond macOS 27. There could also be future security fixes. Apple first announced plans to stop supporting Intel Macs with new versions of macOS back in June 2025 when it debuted ‌macOS Tahoe‌ at WWDC. Apple started its transition to Apple silicon with the 2020 launch of the M1 Mac machines, and three years ago, the company completed the transition to Apple silicon with the Apple silicon Mac Pro. macOS 27 will launch in September 2026, so the end of support for Intel-based Macs is approaching. This article, "macOS Tahoe 26.4 Displays Warnings for Apps That Won't Work After Rosetta 2 Support Ends" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today released new public beta firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4. The firmware is limited to developers and public beta testers at the current time, and it has a build number of 8B5034f. Apple first provided this firmware last week, but it was only available to developers at the time. Apple today started testing iOS 26.4, so it's possible the new firmware includes features related to the iOS 26.4 beta. With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, Apple added a beta firmware update installation option that's available from the AirPods settings interface when the AirPods are connected to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, which facilitates beta testing. Developers and public beta testers can use the beta option to turn on beta downloads. This article, "Apple Releases New Public Beta Firmware for AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Starting with iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection will be enabled by default and turned on for all iPhone users. Stolen Device Protection adds extra security in case of physical ‌iPhone‌ theft. Apple implemented Stolen Device Protection back in 2023 after reports about a new ‌iPhone‌ theft method. Thieves would spy on an intended victim to learn their passcode, then steal the target's ‌iPhone‌. With the passcode, criminals were able to empty bank accounts, access passwords, and turn off Find My. Stolen Device Protection requires additional authentication through Face ID or Touch ID to access certain ‌iPhone‌ features like the Passwords app, Lost mode in ‌Find My‌, Safari purchases, and more. Some features are disabled entirely without authentication, while others have a one-hour security delay. Actions requiring ‌Face ID‌ or ‌Touch ID‌ to complete: Viewing/using passwords or passkeys saved in iCloud Keychain Applying for a new Apple Card Viewing an ‌Apple Card‌ virtual card Turning off Lost Mode Erasing all content and settings Taking certain Apple Cash and Savings actions in Wallet Using payment methods saved in Safari Using your ‌iPhone‌ to set up a new device These actions do not have a passcode backup, so you can't use a passcode to avoid using ‌Face ID‌ or ‌Touch ID‌. Actions that have a 1-hour security delay, and require two biometric authentications: Changing your Apple ID password Updating select ‌Apple ID‌ account security settings, including adding or removing a trusted device, trusted phone number, Recovery Key, or Recovery Contact Changing your ‌iPhone‌ passcode Adding or removing ‌Face ID‌ or ‌Touch ID‌ Turning off ‌Find My‌ Turning off Stolen Device Protection Prior to iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection had to be enabled manually in the ‌Face ID‌ and Passcode section of the Settings app. There is an option to remove security delays when the ‌iPhone‌ is in a familiar location, which allows full functionality at home but protection when out and about. iOS 26.4 is limited to developers at the current time, but a public beta will be coming in the near future. Apple plans to release the update in the spring.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26 This article, "iOS 26.4 Enables Stolen Device Protection by Default for All iPhones" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple is testing secure messaging between Android and iOS devices with iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS Tahoe 26.4. The updates introduce end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages, a security feature that is not currently available for cross-platform messaging. Apple has been working with the GSM Association to implement E2EE for ‌RCS‌ messages. iMessage, the messaging protocol for sending texts between iPhones, has long supported end-to-end encryption. ‌RCS‌ messages between Android devices have also featured E2EE, but there was no full encryption for Android to iPhone (or vice versa) communications. With the addition of E2EE for ‌RCS‌, messages between ‌iPhone‌ users and Android users will eventually be just as secure as iMessage. Messages sent by ‌RCS‌ that have end-to-end encryption will feature a lock icon in the conversation interface. Carriers will need to add support for encryption, so it may take some time for E2EE to roll out to all ‌iPhone‌ and Android users. In iOS 26.4, Apple is testing iPhone-to-iPhone ‌RCS‌ encryption, and users will see a toggle for the feature in the Messages section of the Settings app. ‌RCS‌ encryption is on by default. iMessages will also display a lock icon for feature parity in iOS 26.4. E2EE for ‌RCS‌ will require Apple to update to ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 3.0, which the GSMA published with Apple's input. Apple currently supports ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 2.4. ‌RCS‌ Universal Profile 3.0 will also add features for editing text messages, deleting text messages, and replying to specific messages inline during cross-platform conversations. Apple released the first betas of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 today, with the updates available for developers. Apple plans to launch the updates in the spring, but while E2EE is in testing, the full functionality is not expected until a later iOS 26 update.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: RCSRelated Forum: iOS 26 This article, "Apple Begins Testing End-to-End Encryption for RCS Messages in iOS 26.4 Beta" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

With iOS 26.4, Apple is adding video podcast capabilities to the Apple Podcasts app. The feature uses HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) to provide podcast creators with "unprecedented control and monetization opportunities" while also providing a high-quality viewing experience. "Twenty years ago, Apple helped take podcasting mainstream by adding podcasts to iTunes, and more than a decade ago, we introduced the dedicated Apple Podcasts app," said Eddy Cue, Apple's senior vice president of Services. "Today marks a defining milestone in that journey. By bringing a category-leading video experience to Apple Podcasts, we're putting creators in full control of their content and how they build their businesses, while making it easier than ever for audiences to listen to or watch podcasts." The iOS 26.4 Podcasts app will let users switch between watching and listening to shows, with videos able to be downloaded for offline viewing. HLS ensures smooth playback regardless of network connection, so videos will work on Wi-Fi or cellular. Apple says that the new video episodes will integrate with existing ‌Apple Podcasts‌ features, including personalized recommendations and editorial suggestions in the New and Category sections. Creators are able to distribute through participating hosting providers and ad networks, with Acast, ART19, Omny Studio, and SiriusXM brands supporting HLS video at launch. Creators will be able to dynamically insert video ads for broader video advertising opportunities. Podcasters can find more information on the new video feature through Apple's podcasts website. HLS video is available for testing today in the beta versions of iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4. iOS 26.4 will be released in the spring.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Tag: Apple PodcastsRelated Forum: iOS 26 This article, "Apple Podcasts Getting Video Episodes in iOS 26.4" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today provided developers with the first betas of upcoming watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4 betas for testing purposes. The software comes a few days after Apple launched the 26.3 versions of each platform. The software updates are available through the Settings app on each device, and because these are developer betas, a free developer account is required. The updates are expected to introduce new emoji characters, plus there could be new Siri capabilities, but we don't know exactly what's in the software as of yet. Apple will likely provide public beta testers with access to the tvOS 26.4 and watchOS 26.4 betas later this month, but visionOS 26.4 will remain limited to developers. The software updates will probably launch in mid-to-late March. This article, "Apple Releases First watchOS 26.4, tvOS 26.4 and visionOS 26.4 Betas" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today seeded the first betas of upcoming iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 updates to developers for testing purposes, with the software coming less than a week after Apple released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3. Registered developers can download the betas from the Settings app on the iPhone or iPad by going to the General section and selecting Software Update. iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 could be significant updates that will introduce several new features. We were counting on the betas to include the smarter, more personalized version of Siri that Apple first debuted at WWDC 2024, but Apple has apparently run into issues that could see some or all ‌Siri‌ features delayed until iOS 26.5 or iOS 27. We could still get some new ‌Siri‌ capabilities, such as tools for generating images and searching the web. The update is also expected to include new emoji characters, such as trombone, treasure chest, orca, landslide, and Bigfoot. iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 are limited to developers at the current time, but Apple will likely release a public beta in the next week or two.Related Roundups: iOS 26, iPadOS 26Related Forum: iOS 26 This article, "Apple Seeds First Betas of iOS 26.4 and iPadOS 26.4 to Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today provided the first beta of an upcoming macOS Tahoe 26.4 update to developers for testing purposes, with the update coming just a few days after Apple launched ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.3. Developers can download the ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 update by opening up the System Settings app, selecting the General category, and then choosing Software Update. Beta Updates will need to be enabled, and a free developer account is required. ‌macOS Tahoe‌ 26.4 could introduce some new Siri features, though at least some of the capabilities that we were expecting have been delayed. The update is also expected to introduce new emoji characters. The beta is available to developers right now, but a public beta is expected in the next week or two.Related Roundup: macOS TahoeRelated Forum: macOS Tahoe This article, "First macOS Tahoe 26.4 Beta Now Available for Developers" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's iPad Pro is likely to be left for years without a major update, according to a reliable leaker. The Weibo-based leaker, known as "Instant Digital," says that the ‌iPad Pro‌ will not have a major update for a prolonged period of time. The cost of the OLED panel now used in the device is unlikely to come down in price and the last major redesign apparently did not significantly stimulate sales growth. While Apple may maintain a regular iteration cycle with the device, it apparently has no intention of pursuing significant upgrades such as ultra-slim borders around the display, the likes of which are available on rival high-end tablets. In 2024, Apple introduced the first major redesign of the device since 2018. Apple added the M5 chip to it in October 2025, along with some minor connectivity upgrades. The ‌iPad Pro‌ is likely to gain the M6 chip and iPhone 17 Pro-style vapor chamber cooling at some point toward the end of 2026 or in 2027, but there have been no other rumors about the future of the product line. Related Roundup: iPad ProTag: Instant DigitalBuyer's Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now) This article, "Apple May Leave iPad Pro Without Major Upgrades for Years" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple's first-generation AirTag 4-Pack has dropped to $64.00 this week on Amazon, down from the original price of $99.00. Free shipping options have a delivery estimate around February 21, while Prime members should be able to get it delivered a few days sooner. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Amazon. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Overall, this is a solid second-best price on the AirTag 4-pack that's within $1 of the Amazon all-time low price. Amazon's stock on the first generation AirTag 1-Pack has begun dwindling now that the new second generation models are here, so anyone interested in this low price on the first gen 4-Pack should pick it up while it's still around. $35 OFFAirTag 4-Pack for $64.00 Apple just debuted the all-new AirTag, featuring longer range for tracking items and a louder speaker. We haven't tracked any discounts on the new second generation models as of yet, so anyone who wants to save money should keep looking into the original models. If you're on the hunt for more discounts, be sure to visit our Apple Deals roundup where we recap the best Apple-related bargains of the past week. Deals Newsletter Interested in hearing more about the best deals you can find in 2026? Sign up for our Deals Newsletter and we'll keep you updated so you don't miss the biggest deals of the season! Related Roundup: Apple Deals This article, "AirTag 1 Gets Major Amazon Discount With 4-Pack at $64" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article

Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design composed of yellow, green, and blue discs. It is notable that Apple is specifically using the word "experience," rather than "event." Unlike a full live-streamed event from Apple Park, the March 4 event in New York is likely to be smaller in scale. The announcement of several new Apple products is believed to be imminent, including the iPhone 17e, MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, eighth-generation, iPad Air, 12th-generation iPad, and more. A refreshed Studio Display and an all-new low-cost MacBook with the A18 chip are also possibilities. This "Apple Experience" could involve Apple's announcement of some of these products and provide an opportunity for the media to get hands-on with the new devices. The New York Apple Experience commences at 9:00am ET on March 4, 2026. More to follow... This article, "Apple Announces Special Event in New York on March 4" first appeared on MacRumors.com Discuss this article in our forums View the full article