While the latest emojis were perhaps the most prominent updates in the recent iOS 26.4 release, Apple also introduced several enhancements to Apple Music, such as AI-generated playlists for users in the US, along with significant keyboard improvements. However, a subtle yet practical change that went somewhat unnoticed was the ability to monitor cellular data usage.
This feature would have been beneficial in the past, especially when unlimited data plans were less common. In iOS 26.4, Apple has made it easier for users to track how much data is being consumed by the Personal Hotspot feature and identify the devices or users using it.
Previously, users could check the data usage of the Personal Hotspot by navigating to Settings > Cellular and reviewing the data usage. However, it was only in recent years that Apple started breaking down the usage by specific device and user. Despite this, the setting was somewhat hidden, making it easy to overlook.
With the latest iOS 26.4 update, Apple has enhanced the visibility of this feature by introducing a new Data Usage section directly within the Personal Hotspot settings.
This option will be located at the bottom of Settings > Personal Hotspot as long as cellular usage statistics are enabled, and some data has been used through the Personal Hotspot since the last stats reset. It provides a quick view of the same information available in the cellular data usage section, but without the need to search through numerous apps.
By selecting the Reset Statistics button under Settings > Cellular, the Personal Hotspot data will be cleared, and the Data Usage section will disappear from the Personal Hotspot settings until another device is connected and data is used.
The Data Usage section displays a list of all modern Apple devices connected to your iPhone’s Personal Hotspot and the amount of data each device has used. This includes your personal devices like iPads and Macs, as well as devices of others you permit to use your Personal Hotspot through Family Sharing or password sharing. However, it does not include Wi-Fi data used by your paired Apple Watch, as Apple considers it an extension of your iPhone’s data.
This feature only shows individual guest devices if they are running at least iOS/iPadOS 18.4 or macOS 15.4. Non-Apple devices and older operating systems will have their data usage grouped under a generic “Other Devices” category. Detailed information on connected devices or individual data usage is not provided, as Apple aims to simplify the feature for users who may not be familiar with technical details.
