Apple Refines iOS 26 Interface with Beta 4 Update
New developer beta introduces visual tweaks and prepares for public testing.
Apple has rolled out the fourth developer beta for iOS 26, just over a month before the anticipated iPhone 17 launch. This update brings significant adjustments, notably to the “Liquid Glass” interface, aiming to enhance user experience and visual appeal.
Interface Transparency Tweaks
The most striking changes in iOS 26 Beta 4 involve the transparency of interface elements. Early feedback on Liquid Glass was mixed, prompting Apple to fine-tune the design. The latest iteration offers increased transparency, with a dynamic system that subtly darkens the notification drawer background when messages appear, boosting contrast and readability. Applications like the App Store, Music, Photos, and Weather, which had their transparency reduced in Beta 3, now feature a more balanced opacity.
iOS 26 Beta 4 brings a more visually comfortable change when viewing notifications.
Now, the wallpaper gets darker right when we enter the notification centre. pic.twitter.com/UaP1FW7RvQ— Alvin (@sondesix) July 22, 2025
AI and Camera Enhancements
Beyond interface adjustments, iOS 26 Beta 4 sees the reintroduction of an Apple Intelligence feature for notifications, previously removed from iOS 18 due to inaccurate information. Apple now advises users to verify AI-generated content. The camera app also receives a revamped, simplified interface designed for a more “airy” aesthetic, aiming to guide both new and returning users through its updated features.
Public Beta Approaching
Apple is also gearing up to launch a public beta for iOS 26. This move will transition testing from developers to everyday users, who can provide broader feedback on potential bugs. These public betas will follow an accelerated development schedule, with the final iOS 26 release expected soon for a wide range of iPhone models. The global average smartphone retention period is now over three years, highlighting the importance of timely OS updates for existing devices. (Source: Statista, 2024)