Apple seems to be moving faster than usual with its next major iPhone update. While iOS 26 is still officially in beta and expected to debut alongside the iPhone 17 series in September, traces of iOS 26.4 have already appeared online.
According to MacRumors’ web logs, devices running this unreleased version have been spotted visiting sites, suggesting internal testing is well underway.
Although these logs can’t reveal specific features, the timing is intriguing. iOS 26.4 is rumored for release in early 2026, possibly April, and could finally deliver the long-promised Apple Intelligence and a truly context-aware Siri. Apple first teased these at last year’s WWDC, promising a smarter assistant that can understand your schedule, anticipate needs, and hold more natural conversations. But so far, the rollout has been delayed, frustrating many iPhone owners.
Alongside the AI overhaul, minor updates like new emoji are expected, though those often arrive in any mid-cycle release. What’s notable is that the AI features are said to be powered by Apple’s own in-house LLM (Large Language Model), potentially giving Siri a significant leap forward in relevance and responsiveness.
If Apple pulls this off, iOS 26.4 might mark the company’s first real step into generative AI at the OS level-something competitors have been pushing hard. But after missing the original target with iPhone 16, expectations are high, and patience is thin. Here’s hoping that when the update lands, it won’t be another case of overpromising and underdelivering.