Apple has released the fourth beta version of the operating system. iOS 26and added distinctive touches to the user experience. With stunning changes to the Liquid Glass design and the addition of new features, this update looks set to hold many surprises. If you're one of those who've been testing beta versions or are eager to see what's new until the final version is downloaded, this article will take you on a comprehensive tour of the most notable changes and features in the fourth beta of iOS 26.
Liquid Glass Design Updates
The "liquid glass" design continues to attract attention, and in the fourth beta, Apple made adjustments to make the interface more transparent compared to the third beta. Now, menus in apps like Photos, Music, and the App Store appear more clearly, allowing background colors to stand out more.
On the lock screen, the background now turns darker when scrolling through notifications, enhancing text clarity and making reading more comfortable. These changes create a smoother and more elegant browsing experience, reflecting Apple's attention to detail.
Notification summaries powered by Apple's AI technology
Apple's intelligent Notification Summaries feature has returned to News and Entertainment apps after being discontinued in January to improve performance. This feature intelligently summarizes notifications, saving you time and keeping you up to date on the most important news quickly.
After updating your device to iOS 26, a pop-up window will appear allowing you to enable or disable this feature according to your preferences. Summaries generated using Apple's intelligence will appear in italics with the note "Summarized by Apple's intelligence," ensuring transparency and clarity.
Camera app improvements
The camera app has received subtle but noticeable updates. When swiping between shooting modes, the buttons now move freely in both directions, providing a smoother experience compared to the previous version, where the buttons were fixed. The camera app icon on the home screen has also been changed to reflect a new, more modern design. Beta 4 update is shown on the left.
New Car Play wallpapers
If you use CarPlay while driving, you'll be pleased to know that iOS 26 Beta 4 introduces new wallpapers that align with the iOS 26 wallpaper design. These wallpapers are available in a variety of colors, including blue, brown, gray, green, purple, and red, and support day and night modes. Apple has also removed some of the older CarPlay wallpapers and replaced them with these new designs.
Password improvements
The Passwords app gets a new feature that allows it to communicate with websites to automatically display app and website names and icons. This feature makes password management easier and provides an improved user experience, especially when using passkeys.
Also, when you tap Face ID & Passcode in the Settings app, there's an updated interface and prompts that remind you to enter the passcode you use to unlock your iPhone.
Weather and location information app
The Weather app comes with a new setting that allows it to access "Significant Locations." When this feature is enabled, the app will be able to provide weather information for places you're likely to visit, making planning your day easier.
Reduce loud noises
The "Night Mode" option in the Sound & Haptics settings has been renamed "Reduce Loud Sounds." Apple added a description explaining that this feature reduces the audio range while preserving the quiet details of the original audio, providing a more comfortable listening experience.
Call screen
The Anonymous Call Filter feature has new options. You can now turn it off, request a reason for calling from unknown callers, or have anonymous calls automatically routed to voicemail. These options enhance your privacy and help reduce the inconvenience of unwanted calls.
Minor updates to the Mail app
The Mail app has undergone minor icon design changes, giving it a fresh look that's in line with the overall design of iOS 26. While the changes are subtle, they add a touch of elegance.
Dynamic color changing wallpapers
The new wallpapers in iOS 26 are dynamic, changing colors throughout the day. This feature adds a touch of beauty to your iPhone, making the Home screen more vibrant and interactive.
An update worth trying
The iOS 26 beta 4 update offers a compelling mix of visual improvements and intelligent features that enhance the user experience. From the more transparent Liquid Glass design to features like call filtering and notification summaries, Apple seems to be aiming to deliver a seamless experience that combines elegance and practicality. If you're a user who prefers beta versions, this update is worth exploring, keeping in mind that it may contain some bugs that will be fixed in later releases.
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