Apple is preparing to roll out iOS 26.4, the latest update for iPhones, as the first quarter of 2026 comes to an end.
The update arrives at an important moment when security concerns around older iOS versions are becoming harder to ignore.
Unlike other updates launched at Apple’s annual events, iOS 26.4 is part of a routine upgrade cycle that follows weeks of beta testing.
The Release Candidate (RC) has already been issued, usually a sign that the public rollout is just days away.
What iOS 26.4 Brings
This update focuses on three areas: performance, new features and security.
On performance, Apple has strengthened system stability, improved responsiveness and reduced bugs across supported devices.
On features, the update brings several additions across core apps. They include:
- Support for AI-generated playlists in Apple Music allows users to create playlists using prompts
- More user-friendly Apple Music interface and discovery tools
- Enhanced video podcast support in Apple Podcasts
- Seamless switching between audio and video podcast modes
- More health app insights, including sleep and lifestyle tracking
- Updates to CarPlay, with smarter integrations and interface improvements
- RCS messaging improvements, this includes stronger encryption
- Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default
- 8 new emoji additions including an orca, trombone, landslide, ballet dancer, and distorted face
- Smarter Reminders app, with better task prioritisation
- New music mood widgets (e.g., Chill, Focus, Sleep)
- General performance and battery optimizations
- Important security patches and vulnerability fixes
Security Concerns About the Growing Threat of Spyware in Older iOS Versions
As stated earlier, the release of iOS 26.4 coincides with the growing concerns over vulnerabilities in older iPhone versions, specifically iOS 18.4 and iOS 18.6.2.
According to recent reports, a dangerous spyware known as Darksword Malware can now exploit vulnerabilities in older iOS versions. This spyware can:
- Gain unauthorised access to a user’s personal information
- Steal passwords and login details
- Monitor a user’s messages and communications
- Gain access to photos, files, and other sensitive information
- Potentially track a user’s activity without being detected
Apple has already addressed many of these security issues through recent software updates, but in places like Nigeria, where a large percentage of Apple users still use older iPhones, this situation becomes a unique challenge.
The good news is that this new iOS 26.4 will be available for iPhone 11 and newer models. However, some AI features are limited to newer devices, particularly the iPhone 15 series and above.
Older supported models will still receive security patches and general improvements, which are essential for day-to-day protection.
The arrival of iOS version 26.4 highlights a different shift in Apple’s ecosystem. On the surface level, it might seem like an incremental improvement, but it actually reflects the fact that Apple’s iPhone experience is becoming more tiered, and staying up to date us becoming more important than ever.
