The update for iPadOS 26.4 has been released, bringing with it enhanced video podcast support and a selection of new emojis to the iPad and iPad Pro.

After four developer beta rounds and a release candidate, Apple has finally brought out its update for iPadOS 26.4. The update, now downloadable to iPads owned by the general public, include Apple's usual collection of bug fixes and performance improvements, as well as a number of feature changes.

Podcasts

The Podcasts app has been updated with enhanced support for video podcasts. This is not entirely new territory for Apple, but it does add some improvements to aid in viewing them.

There's native video playback using HTTP Live Streaming or HLS. This is also an update that enables adaptive streaming and dynamic video ad insertion, giving podcast creators a bite at the revenue apple.

For users, they can switch between watching a video podcast or listening to it like an audio version at will. They can also download video podcasts for offline listening.

Apple Music

Just like in iOS 26.4, Apple Music in iPadOS 26.4 adds Concerts Near You. It's a feature that displays shows where the user is located, as well as tour dates, without leaving the app.

Thanks to an integration with Ticketmaster, you can also quickly buy tickets to said nearby shows.

Ambient Music

Users were previously able to load Ambient Sounds from within Control Center. However, now they can do it from the Home Screen.

A new widget called Ambient Music is available, which has two forms. One has the current ambient music playlist, while a second version shows all four options: Chill, Productivity, Sleep, and Wellbeing.

Emoji

Again, joining iOS 26.4, Messenger users can now spice up their communications with new emoji images. The iconography now includes a bunch of items that, while not necessarily usable for most normal conversations, they can still have a purpose to some users.

The new additions include:

  • Ballet Dancers
  • Bigfoot
  • Distorted Face
  • Fight Cloud
  • Landslide
  • Orca
  • Treasure Chest
  • Trombone

Hidden Windows

Users of the new multitasking system may hide windows more, as they spawn even more to get their work done. Sometimes, it's hard to keep track of what's been opened.

The Hidden Windows reminder will pop up when you open an app with multiple windows open, and tell you how many windows are currently hidden. Tapping it will show all windows for that app, including hidden ones.

How to update to iPadOS 26.4

A manual update to iPadOS 26.4 is available by opening the Settings app, then selecting General, followed by Software Update. If the update is available to you, it can be installed from here.

This is not needed if you have enabled Automatic Updates, available from the same Software Update options.