by Apple may have just released iOS 26, but the company is already moving full speed ahead with its next set of updates. The iOS 26.1 beta is now in testing, setting the stage for a series of exciting releases—iOS 26.1 through iOS 26.4—that will roll out over the coming months.
These updates will expand Apple Intelligence, enhance Siri’s personalization, improve messaging with RCS encryption, introduce satellite-powered weather forecasts, and bring in new emojis. Here’s everything you can expect from these upcoming versions.
iOS 26.1: Expanding Apple Intelligence and Live Translation
The first major update, iOS 26.1, expands Apple’s AI ecosystem by adding Apple Intelligence and Live Translation features to more languages. AirPods users will now enjoy real-time translation in additional regions, making communication smoother and more natural across languages.
Several Apple apps—including Music, Calendar, Photos, Clock, and Safari—also receive minor updates for better speed, reliability, and ease of use. These refinements may be subtle but collectively make the iPhone experience more seamless.
Digital ID in Apple Wallet: A Smarter Way to Travel
One of the most anticipated iOS 26 features is the Digital ID for U.S. passports. Soon, iPhone users will be able to add a digital version of their passport directly to the Apple Wallet app.
According to Apple, this feature will launch later this year and will work at TSA checkpoints in select U.S. airports for domestic travel. You’ll be able to verify your identity digitally without pulling out your physical passport.
However, Apple makes it clear that this new Digital ID won’t replace physical passports and cannot be used for international travel. It’s designed for convenience and quick verification—not as a full passport replacement.
Apple also emphasizes that the system is secure, private, and REAL ID compliant, ensuring users’ personal information is protected. Beyond airports, the Digital ID will support age and identity verification for apps, online purchases, and in-store interactions—bringing more flexibility and safety to everyday life.
RCS Messaging: End-to-End Encryption and Smarter Chats
Apple is also preparing a major messaging upgrade with RCS (Rich Communication Services) improvements. While iPhones currently support RCS Universal Profile 2.4, future updates like iOS 26.2 through iOS 26.4 will upgrade this to RCS Universal Profile 3.0.
This upgrade will finally introduce end-to-end encryption for RCS conversations, ensuring your texts and attachments are protected from Apple, carriers, and hackers—similar to iMessage.
Once the new version arrives, iPhone users can expect five major improvements for RCS messages:
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End-to-End Encryption – Full message privacy protection.
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In-line Replies – Respond to specific messages directly in a thread.
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Edit Messages – Fix typos or update sent texts.
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Unsend Messages – Retract messages after they’re sent.
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Tapback Reactions – React with emojis like in iMessage.
These updates will finally bring RCS chats closer to the iMessage experience, improving communication between iPhone and Android users. Apple is likely coordinating with mobile carriers to ensure smooth rollout of these features during the iOS 26 update cycle.
Personalized Siri: The Future of Apple’s Voice Assistant
Apple’s next-generation Siri is getting a massive upgrade. The company has been working on a more personal, AI-powered Siri, designed to understand context and respond intelligently based on your activities and data.
Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed that development is “making good progress,” and insiders expect it to launch with iOS 26.4 around spring 2026.
The new Siri will be able to understand personal context, have on-screen awareness, and provide deeper per-app control. For instance, you could ask:
“What time does Mom’s flight land, and do I have lunch plans with her?”
Siri would check your Mail and Messages apps for relevant information, combining it into a helpful answer.
Apple first teased this feature at WWDC 2024, but postponed it to refine integration with Apple Intelligence. Once released, the upgraded Siri will feel more human-like—capable of understanding who you are, what you need, and when you need it.
Weather via Satellite: Forecasts Without Internet
Early iOS 26 beta code has revealed hints of a new feature called Weather via Satellite. While Apple hasn’t officially announced it, the feature appears to be designed for accessing weather information in areas with no Wi-Fi or cellular signal.
This would join Apple’s growing family of satellite-based tools, including:
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Emergency SOS via Satellite
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Messages via Satellite
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Find My via Satellite
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Roadside Assistance via Satellite
By leveraging this network, Apple could deliver critical weather alerts and forecasts even in remote regions—a major advantage for travelers, hikers, and rural users.
Apple currently provides all satellite services free of charge, and it recently extended free access for iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users by another year. This move suggests Apple intends to continue expanding satellite features without extra cost, at least for now.
New Emojis Coming in iOS 26.4
Another fun highlight of iOS 26.4 will be the addition of new emojis from Unicode 17.0, previewed during World Emoji Day on July 17.
The upcoming emoji lineup includes:
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🦴 Trombone
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🧰 Treasure Chest
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😵💫 Distorted Face
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🧔♂️ Hairy Creature (Bigfoot)
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💨 Fight Cloud
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🍎 Apple Core
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🐋 Orca
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🩰 Ballet Dancers
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🌋 Landslide
The Distorted Face emoji—popular among Discord users—is expected to be a fan favorite.
Apple typically releases new emojis with its “.4” updates each year, such as in iOS 15.4, iOS 16.4, iOS 17.4, and iOS 18.4. Based on this pattern, iOS 26.4 will likely introduce these new emojis in early 2026.
What’s Next for iOS 26 Updates
The iOS 26.1–26.4 cycle is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most exciting yet. From enhanced AI tools and smarter Siri to digital identity and encrypted messaging, each update builds toward a more connected, intelligent, and secure iPhone experience.
Here’s a quick summary of what to expect:
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iOS 26.1: Expanded Apple Intelligence and Live Translation.
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iOS 26.2–26.3: RCS encryption and communication improvements.
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iOS 26.4: Personalized Siri, new emojis, and possible satellite weather.
Apple continues to show that its innovation doesn’t stop with major releases—each new update refines the iPhone experience to be faster, smarter, and safer than ever before.
