Apple has released the fourth developer beta of its next-generation iOS 26 beta 4, alongside ipados 26 beta 4, macos tahoe 26 developer beta, watchos 26, tvos 26, and visionos 26 beta 4. This software update arrives ahead of the iOS 26 public beta, adding new features, performance refinements, and a renewed design push.

Liquid Glass Is Back — And More Liquid Than Ever

Beta 4 brings a significant boost to the Liquid Glass redesign, restoring the full “glass-like” translucency that was scaled back in the previous beta. Interface elements like tab bars, buttons, and Control Center regain their frosted-yet-reflective clarity, striking a balance between aesthetics and readability.

Notification Summaries for News and Entertainment Return

A standout feature in iOS 26 this round is the reactivation of notification summaries for news apps, powered by Apple Intelligence. First introduced in iOS 18.3 and later disabled, the summaries return with improved labeling, opt-in controls per app, and clear disclaimers: italicized text marked “Summarized by Apple Intelligence” warns users that “summarisation may change the meaning”.

Here’s What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 4: Overview of Changes

• New dynamic Wallpapers: iOS 26 wallpaper now shifts subtly based on time of day or mode
• Revamped Camera app UI: Introduces a welcome splash screen and smoother mode transitions
• Enhanced call screening options: Set unknown callers to be silenced, blocked, or handled by Siri
• CarPlay Updates: New CarPlay wallpapers and new color options for light/dark modes
• Bug fixes and stability boosts: Focused on performance improvements over Beta 3

macOS Tahoe 26 Beta 4 Joins the Party

Simultaneously, macos tahoe 26 beta 4 has launched for developers via the developer website and now through software update. Known also as macos tahoe beta 4, this tahoe 26 developer beta 4 carries over the Liquid Glass UI, enhanced continuity tools like Live Activities, new Spotlight capabilities, and AI integrations in Shortcuts and Phone.

Timeline: iOS 26 Public Beta Expected This Week

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is expected to issue its first iOS 26 public beta this week, kicking off general beta testing for users beyond developers.

Expert Take

Sara Perez of TechCrunch sums it up:

Why Developers Should Care

This developer beta phase is critical for app creators:

• Ensuring compatibility with the Liquid Glass design and liquid glass changes
• Testing apple intelligence features like AI summaries
• Verifying UI adjustments in camera app, call screening, wallet, safari, and maps

Bottom Line

Apple released the fourth developer beta of iOS 26 beta 4 and its ecosystem counterparts just days before opening up to public beta testing. With liquid glass is back, advanced notification summaries for news, and a slew of polished new features, the stage is set for a major software update this fall.