iOS 26 beta 4 arrives, with Liquid Glass tweaks and AI news summaries
Apple has officially released the fourth developer beta of its highly anticipated software update, iOS 26. This latest iteration introduces subtle yet significant refinements to its Liquid Glass redesign and marks the return of AI-powered notification summaries for news, among other notable enhancements.
This developer rollout precedes the imminent launch of the iOS 26 public beta, which is widely expected to become available to a broader audience later this week. The phased release strategy allows mobile application developers crucial time to rigorously test their apps against Apple’s new software, ensuring seamless compatibility and optimal performance ahead of the operating system’s full public launch in the coming months.
Following years of consumer demand for early access, Apple initiated its public beta program after its annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. This program enables iPhone users to experience updated software features ahead of the global release, albeit with reduced stability issues and bugs compared to early developer builds. iOS 26 beta 4 largely mirrors the experience users can anticipate from the forthcoming public beta.
Among the key additions in iOS 26 beta 4 is a new “Welcome” splash screen that greets users upon updating the software. This is complemented by introductory screens for various features, including Siri and its enhanced AI-driven notification summaries, new prioritization options, and an updated Camera app, all designed to guide users through the new functionalities.
The re-introduction of AI notification summaries follows a temporary pause initiated earlier this year due to a high-profile incident involving the BBC. The British broadcaster reported that the feature had misrepresented one of its headlines, falsely claiming that Luigi Mangione, the individual charged in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had died by suicide. In response, Apple announced a software update to provide clearer indications when AI is used for summarization.
As a result, the setup screen for this AI summarization feature, which remains in beta, now includes a prominent warning message under the “News & Entertainment” section. This message explicitly states that “Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines” and advises users to “Verify information,” underscoring Apple’s commitment to transparency and accuracy.
Additionally, early testers of the new beta have observed Apple’s continued refinement of its Liquid Glass user interface redesign. While iOS 26 beta 3 saw a slight reduction in the transparent elements across certain applications, beta 4 reintroduces and refines these visual effects. Testers have highlighted updates in several core applications, including the App Store, Photos, Apple Music, and Weather. Furthermore, the Notification Center now features a dynamic tint that adjusts as users scroll, enhancing visual fluidity and readability. Observers also noted that the wallpaper darkens gradually when entering the notification center, further improving content readability.
The updated software also brings a new dynamic wallpaper that changes colors, along with new CarPlay wallpapers, providing users with fresh customization options.
At the time of this publication, official release notes for iOS 26 beta 4 had not yet been published on Apple’s Developer website, suggesting that more minor bug fixes and performance improvements are likely to be discovered by developers and early adopters.
Alongside the iOS release, Apple also rolled out new versions of its other beta operating systems, including iPadOS 26 beta 4, macOS 26 beta 4, watchOS 26 beta 4, tvOS 26 beta 4, visionOS 26 beta 4, and Xcode 26 beta 4, signaling a comprehensive update across its ecosystem.
