Apple is known for refining the user experience with each major update, and iOS 26 Beta 4 is a testament to that legacy. With a renewed focus on visual elegance, enhanced user feedback, and smarter notification handling, the fourth developer beta for iOS 26 introduces thoughtful updates that set the tone for what’s to come in the full release later this year.
In this blog post, we explore everything you need to know about iOS 26 Beta 4: from interface upgrades and system tweaks to public beta plans and what these changes mean for iPhone users around the world.
Key Notes:
- Liquid Glass UI returns with more transparency and fluidity.
- Notification summaries are back with better warning prompts.
- New onboarding screens for Siri, Camera, and system features.
- Public beta expected to launch by end of July 2025.
- Improvements in system polish, app visuals, and background functionality.
What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 4?
Apple rolled out iOS 26 Beta 4 to developers on July 22, 2025. This version follows a series of beta releases that began at WWDC 2025 and continues to build on the “Liquid Glass” redesign while reintroducing features that were temporarily paused for refinement.
1. Liquid Glass UI — Now Smoother and Clearer
Apple’s “Liquid Glass” visual framework was first introduced with iOS 26 at WWDC 2025. It’s meant to deliver a layered, translucent appearance across all system interfaces, creating a more immersive and natural look. In Beta 3, some transparency effects were scaled back to improve legibility, but Beta 4 restores them with more polish.
Updates include:
- Enhanced translucency in Notification Center and Control Center.
- Adaptive tinting that blends better with background colors.
- New wallpapers and CarPlay backgrounds that complement the fluid interface.
- Smoother visual transitions between apps and home screens.
Users who enjoy a sleek, glassy aesthetic will appreciate the added sophistication. The improvements strike a better balance between style and usability, especially in low-light environments.
2. Smarter Notification Summaries Make a Comeback
One of the most headline-grabbing features in iOS 26 has been the return of notification summaries. Apple had temporarily disabled this feature due to concerns over inaccuracies in how content was summarized. Now, it’s back in Beta 4 with more caution.
What’s changed:
- A warning screen now informs users that summarizations might slightly alter the context of the original headlines.
- This disclaimer appears the first time users enable summary notifications.
- Improved reliability with entertainment and news sources, though users are still encouraged to verify headlines when in doubt.
This enhancement reflects Apple’s cautious but persistent approach toward improving information accessibility for users who rely on quick glances at content without reading full articles.
3. New Onboarding Experiences
Another noticeable update in Beta 4 is the presence of new welcome screens and feature tutorials after the update is installed. These are designed to help users familiarize themselves with recent changes and new features.
Highlights:
- A new splash screen introduces the updated Liquid Glass interface.
- Step-by-step prompts for setting up smarter notifications.
- Walkthroughs for using the redesigned Camera app and updated Siri settings.
These additions not only improve the learning curve for less tech-savvy users but also ensure smoother transitions as Apple introduces broader system changes.
4. Subtle Yet Impactful UI Refinements
While the big visual updates grab attention, iOS 26 Beta 4 also delivers a range of smaller tweaks that refine the overall experience.
Notable refinements:
- Smoother scrolling animations, particularly in Notification Center.
- Improved contrast and legibility when scrolling through transparent backgrounds.
- More consistent color adaptation across system widgets and control toggles.
- Bug fixes that address app crashes and unresponsive UI elements.
The cumulative effect of these refinements is a more polished, fluid system that feels premium on both older and newer iPhones.
Apple’s Vision for a Unified Experience
Apple has always aimed to unify its ecosystem visually and functionally. With iOS 26, the introduction of Liquid Glass marks a shift toward a more cohesive design language that spans across macOS Tahoe, iPadOS 20, watchOS, tvOS, and visionOS.
The UI adapts based on content, lighting, and user behavior, using real-time shaders and layered translucency. It creates an impression of digital material that behaves like real glass — refracting, blurring, and adapting to its surroundings.
This approach is more than just cosmetic. It reflects Apple’s continued focus on making the operating system feel alive and context-aware without overwhelming the user with unnecessary visual noise.
Public Beta and What to Expect
Apple is expected to release the public beta of iOS 26 in the coming days — likely by July 23, 2025. This version will be available through the Apple Beta Software Program and accessible to anyone who signs up and installs the configuration profile.
Here’s what you should know before jumping in:
Pros:
- Get early access to the latest design features and tools.
- Provide feedback to help Apple iron out bugs before final release.
- Experience a more connected and personalized interface.
Cons:
- Beta versions can be unstable and may affect device performance.
- Some third-party apps may not be optimized yet.
- Certain features (like notification summaries) may still evolve.
If you’re planning to test the public beta, it’s highly recommended to back up your device first. Installing on a secondary device is also wise if you rely on your primary iPhone for critical tasks.
What’s Next After Beta 4?
With the public beta launch expected shortly, Apple is entering the final stretch before the full release of iOS 26, which is anticipated around September 2025 — aligning with the launch of the iPhone 17.
Future beta builds will likely continue to refine features introduced in Beta 4 while possibly adding smaller additions or experimental options for wider testing.
Here’s what to watch for:
- Final tuning of Liquid Glass effects.
- Expanded settings for notification customization.
- Enhancements to Siri’s interaction design.
- App-specific updates and developer tools.
Compatibility & Supported Devices
iOS 26 continues Apple’s strong legacy of supporting older devices while pushing boundaries with newer hardware. Although exact compatibility lists are subject to change, the beta currently runs smoothly on the following models:
- iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max (development devices)
- iPhone 16 series
- iPhone 15 and 14 series
- iPhone 13 series and SE 3rd gen
The new interface looks particularly striking on OLED displays and models with ProMotion (120Hz), taking full advantage of the UI’s depth and motion refinements.
The Road Ahead: iOS 26 and the Apple Ecosystem
The development of iOS 26 reflects Apple’s broader strategy of seamless user experience, visual evolution, and intelligent system behavior. While not a complete overhaul, the thoughtful tweaks in Beta 4 point to a platform that is steadily maturing.
The integration of features across iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and more demonstrates a long-term goal of harmony and interoperability. Whether you’re managing your HomeKit devices, editing media, or just browsing the web, every piece of the Apple ecosystem is being refined to offer smoother, smarter, and more consistent functionality.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26 Beta 4 might not be a revolutionary leap, but it’s undeniably an important step forward. The return of advanced UI features, careful treatment of information summaries, and user-centric improvements speak volumes about Apple’s commitment to perfection.
As users gear up for the public beta and the eventual full release, iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the most refined and visually elegant iterations in recent memory. Whether you’re a casual user, a beta tester, or a developer preparing apps for the new environment, there’s something fresh and exciting to look forward to.
