The official update description
In the more detailed release notes, Apple addresses the most important improvements in system version 26.4. The company had already activated the lineup last week:
- 8 new emojis are available in the emoji keyboard, including an orca, a trombone, a landslide, a ballet dancer and a distorted face.
- The compact tab bar in Safari creates more space for browsing and allows you to search directly from the active tab.
- Freeform receives expanded image creation and editing tools as well as a premium content library and becomes part of Apple Creator Studio.
- Reminders can be marked as urgent using a keyboard shortcut; You can also filter for urgent reminders in smart lists.
- Purchase Sharing allows adult members of Family Sharing groups to use their own payment method when shopping without relying on Family Organizer.
- Subtitle and caption settings are easier to find when watching media, plus real-time previews are available directly from the subtitle icon.
Download and install
As always, the easiest way to update is to simply use the appropriate function in the system settings. If the update cannot be seen, a little patience is simply required – not all update servers receive the new version at the same time. According to several responses, 26.4 did not appear to appear if you had 26.3.1(a), the recently released “Background Security Improvement”, installed. Apparently the problem is now a thing of the past.
Updates for older systems
In addition to macOS 26.4, Apple has also released macOS 15.7.5 and macOS 14.8.5 – so Sequoia and Sonoma also receive security-related improvements.