Apple made some changes to Liquid Glass elements in the latest iOS 26 developer beta 3 and received significant online feedback. Now, with the release of iOS 26 beta 4, users can expect a closer examination of the changes in this period of transition.
iOS 26 developer beta 4 has arrived
Apple has introduced the upcoming iPhone software update as iOS 26, stating that it “delivers a stunning new design, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, new ways to stay connected in the Phone and Messages apps, and exciting updates to CarPlay, Apple Music, Maps, and Wallet.”
In iOS 26 beta 2, we saw design tweaks that included improved legibility for Control Center, better menu organization in Safari, and enhanced accessibility options with borders added to High Contrast Mode.
With iOS 26 beta 3, there were noticeable changes such as adding opaqueness to some transparent tab bars and introducing new wallpaper colors. Notably, Notification Center still maintains absolute transparency when pulled down until fully open, which may be subject to change.
Public beta imminent
The distinction between developer beta and public beta has become less defined since Apple made it free for anyone to test the developer version a few years ago. The public beta is usually released about a week after the third developer beta, allowing Apple a full month after WWDC to refine the pre-release software.
Developer betas are typically available in June, public betas in July, and the final release in September. This year, Apple has chosen to give iOS 26 more time before releasing the public beta. It is expected that iOS 26 beta 4 will provide a good indication of what to anticipate in September, which is crucial before the public beta launch.
Is your iPhone ready for iOS 26? This major software update is compatible with iPhone SE (2nd generation) and iPhone 11 models and above. iPhone XR, iPhone XS, and iPhone XS Max will only support up to iOS 18. If you desire the latest features and design, you will need to upgrade your iPhone. However, older iPhones will continue to receive security updates for a while. Features utilizing Apple Intelligence require iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any iPhone 16 model.
Stay tuned for a comprehensive list of every change in iOS 26 beta and more on 9to5Mac. Join the discussion at tips@9to5mac.com!
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