Apple continues to refine the iPhone experience with incremental updates that focus on user control and personalisation. The upcoming iOS 26.4 release brings several enhancements, but three stand out for their direct impact on how you tailor your device to your preferences.
The first customisation option addresses the Liquid Glass design introduced in iOS 26. While many appreciate its modern, shimmering aesthetic, others find the bright, flashy elements distracting. iOS 26.4 introduces a new “Reduce Bright Effects” toggle in Settings under Display & Brightness. Enabling this setting tones down highlighting, flashing, and other dynamic visual flourishes associated with Liquid Glass. It offers a subtler alternative to the existing “Tinted” mode, giving users finer control over interface vibrancy without losing the overall look entirely. This addition appeals to those who prefer a calmer screen experience, especially during extended use or in low-light conditions.
Next comes expanded flexibility for battery management. iOS has long allowed users to set optimised charging limits to preserve long-term battery health, but iOS 26.4 takes this further by integrating automation options through Shortcuts. You can now create routines that adjust the maximum charge threshold based on time of day, location, or other triggers. For example, set a lower limit overnight to reduce wear, then bump it up for travel days when you need every percentage point. This hands-off approach makes healthy battery habits easier to maintain, particularly for users who forget to tweak settings manually.
The third notable change targets video playback. iOS 26.4 adds more ways to customise subtitles in videos, including enhanced styling, positioning, and appearance controls across supported apps. Whether watching in the native Videos app, streaming services, or third-party players, these tweaks let you make text larger, change colours for better contrast, or adjust placement to avoid overlapping key elements on screen. It’s a practical upgrade for accessibility and viewing comfort, building on Apple’s ongoing focus on inclusive features.
These three additions join other iOS 26.4 improvements, such as default activation of Stolen Device Protection, new emoji characters, and refinements in apps like Reminders and Apple Music. While not revolutionary, they demonstrate Apple’s commitment to thoughtful refinements that enhance daily use.
iOS 26.4 is currently in developer beta, with a public release expected soon. To prepare, keep your iPhone updated and check Settings > General > Software Update once the version drops. These customisations make the iPhone feel more personal than ever, rewarding users who dig into the settings for exactly the experience they want.
