iOS 26.4 Beta 3 Resolves AirTag Chirping Issue

Apple’s iOS 26.4 betas are being released at a rapid pace, with the third developer beta now available. This comes after the initial beta was launched two weeks ago, followed by a second beta last week. Despite Apple’s busy schedule with new product releases, they have managed to push out this latest beta.

It’s worth noting that the team working on Apple’s operating systems may not be directly involved in the product releases happening this week. However, there was likely a sense of urgency to release the third beta promptly.

One noticeable aspect is the absence of a public beta following beta 2, which is unusual as public betas typically follow developer betas shortly after. This delay allows Apple to address any issues that may arise before a wider audience receives the release.

In the case of iOS 26.4 beta 2, early adopters experienced a problem where AirTags and AirPods were emitting noises when separated from their paired iPhones. This issue rendered the Find My-enabled devices, including AirTags, AirPods, and third-party item trackers, unable to be located by the iPhone.

The author encountered this problem firsthand when their AirTag started making noise and the iPhone couldn’t locate it or other Find My devices. Restarting the iPhone briefly resolved the issue, but the devices soon became untraceable again. Similar reports surfaced on Reddit and the MacRumors forums, indicating a widespread problem.

Apart from the inconvenience of not being able to locate lost items, the constant alerts from the AirTags and AirPods added to the frustration. These alerts are part of a safety feature that notifies users when their Find My device is out of contact with the paired iPhone for an extended period.

The issue was rectified in the third beta release, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between developer and public betas. While developer betas offer early access to new features, they also come with potential risks of encountering unforeseen problems like the one discussed here. Users who prefer a more stable experience may opt for the public beta track or avoid betas altogether.

Overall, the experience serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in beta testing software updates and the importance of thorough testing before a wider release. While the issue with iOS 26.4 beta 2 has been addressed, it underscores the need for caution when experimenting with beta versions of operating systems.