Apple released the fourth developer beta of its upcoming iOS 26 software update on Tuesday. This latest version features subtle refinements to the Liquid Glass redesign and brings back AI-powered notification summaries for news, along with several other improvements. The release comes just ahead of the anticipated public beta launch of iOS 26, expected later this week.
Developer betas are intended to give app makers early access to test their apps with Apple’s new operating system, ensuring readiness for the public launch in the coming months. Due to growing consumer demand for early releases, Apple has been offering public betas since its Worldwide Developers Conference in June, allowing iPhone users to try the updated software ahead of the global rollout but with fewer bugs and stability issues. The fourth developer beta largely reflects what users can expect in the forthcoming public beta.
iOS 26 beta 4 introduces a new “Welcome” splash screen upon updating, along with introductory screens showcasing key features such as Siri and its AI-powered notification summaries and prioritization options. Additionally, the update highlights the redesigned Camera app, which is part of the iOS 26 refresh.
Earlier this year, Apple temporarily paused the AI notification summaries after the BBC raised concerns over a misrepresented headline. The AI-generated summary falsely claimed that Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had died by suicide. In response, Apple committed to releasing a software update that clarifies when AI summarization is being used. The setup screen for this feature, still in beta, now includes a warning under the “News & Entertainment” section. It advises users that summarization may alter the meaning of the original headlines and encourages them to verify the information themselves.
Early testers of the beta have also observed ongoing tweaks to the Liquid Glass user interface redesign. While beta 3 scaled back some of the transparency effects in certain apps, beta 4 reinstates many of these elements. Changes have been noted in apps like the App Store, Photos, Apple Music, and Weather. The Notification Center now also features a dynamic tint that shifts as users scroll through notifications, making the interface more visually dynamic and comfortable to read.
In addition to these interface updates, the software introduces a new dynamic wallpaper that changes colors and adds new CarPlay wallpapers, enhancing the visual appeal across the system.
At the time of this update, Apple had not yet published official release notes for the fourth beta on its Developer website, suggesting there may be further minor bug fixes and performance improvements to uncover.
Alongside the iOS 26 beta 4 release, Apple also rolled out new versions of its other operating system betas, 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. These updates continue to prepare Apple’s ecosystem for the broader next-generation software launches.