iOS 26.4 Update: New Features, Emojis & CarPlay Enhancements

March 30, 2026 Rachel Kim – Technology Editor Technology

Apple has released iOS 26.4, a significant software update for iPhones, alongside updates for watchOS 26.4 and macOS Tahoe. The iOS 26.4 release is particularly notable as it introduces support for the recently unveiled AirPods Max 2 headphones, requiring the update for full functionality.

The iOS 26.4 update, weighing in at 3.09GB on an iPhone 17 Pro Max, includes security improvements and bug fixes. A key feature is the addition of Smart Playlists, offering users a dynamic music experience. The update also introduces new emojis and a voice-activated chatbot feature, according to reports from multiple sources.

CarPlay receives enhanced capabilities with iOS 26.4, gaining support for ambient music and voice chat robots, expanding the in-car entertainment and communication options for iPhone users. This builds on previous updates that have integrated CarPlay more deeply into the vehicle’s operating system.

The release of iOS 26.4 coincides with the launch of the second-generation AirPods Max. Apple has stated that certain features of the AirPods Max 2 require iOS 26.4 and the latest AirPods firmware, version 8B39, to operate correctly. This firmware update, also released this week, is compatible with AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 (both USB-C and Lightning versions) and AirPods 4.

Updating AirPods to the latest firmware is an automatic process, triggered when an iPhone, iPad, or Mac running iOS 26.4 or macOS 14.1 is connected to the AirPods via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, with the charging case connected to a power source. The update process takes approximately 20-30 minutes and occurs in the background.

The iOS 26.4 update is available for all iPhones from the iPhone 11 onwards, including the second and third-generation iPhone SE, as well as the iPhone 17 series and iPhone Air. The update also incorporates security improvements previously included in iOS 26.3.1, streamlining the update process for users.

In the United Kingdom, users have reported encountering a new requirement to verify their age (18+) to modify content restrictions following the iOS 26.4 update. The nature and scope of this change are currently under review.

Apple has not yet released detailed release notes for the AirPods firmware update 8B39, but previous firmware releases have typically focused on bug fixes and performance improvements. The company has standardized firmware across its supported AirPods models, with all compatible devices now running version 8B39, excluding the older AirPods Pro 1.