Apple continues development of iOS 26 And, after more than a month of internal testing, it has released the fourth beta version focused on developers. This new step is significant not only because it is close to the expected public beta, which will arrive in the coming days, but also because it marks a key phase in the system's evolution before its final release in September. Those who are part of the testing program can now download beta 4 for iPhone., as well as equivalent versions for other devices: iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26.
In this phase, stability and optimization have gained prominence. Apple is focusing on polishing the system, reducing battery consumption, and fixing bugs detected in previous betas. The arrival of the Public beta is just around the corner, allowing any interested user to try out firsthand the new features coming to their devices after the summer.
The main new features of iOS 26 Beta 4
Among the list of most obvious improvements, the following stand out: The new welcome screen in the Camera app, which showcases the changes to the interface and filter system for the first time. Although it's currently only available in English, it's expected to be translated in the final version.
For its part, the call screening function It's been reinforced with additional options: you can now choose to automatically block unknown calls, ask for identification and the reason for the call, or simply not respond with any automatic answer. This setting allows each user to decide their level of protection against unwanted calls.
Return the news summaries generated by artificial intelligence to notifications, after having been temporarily removed due to controversy in previous versions. Currently, this feature is only active in American English and comes with warnings about the possible alteration of the original meaning of headlines. Apple recommends checking the content summarized by AI before interpreting it as definitive information.
Also highlights the advance in customization iOS 26. Beta 4 introduces new translucent effects on icons and widgets, dynamic color-changing wallpapers, and more flexible controls for customizing the experience. On the lock screen, the clock adapts to the background, and CarPlay adds more backgrounds adapted to light and dark modes.
The user experience is improved with smoother animations and more natural transitions, smoother navigation, and a Control center where transparency is adjusted to maintain readability. Tab and menu bars have been redesigned to provide more space for content, and minor changes have been made to apps like Safari and Photos to make navigation easier.
Liquid Glass redesign under scrutiny
One of the big focuses of debate between users and developers is Liquid Glass, the new iOS 26 design languageThe fourth beta maintains the tone established in previous versions, although it adjusts transparency and dynamic effects in apps like Apple Music, the App Store, and Photos. In the previous beta, these effects were reduced, sparking a mixed reaction in the community: some celebrated the new approach for improving accessibility, while others called for a return to the more transparent aesthetic of the original presentation.
Apple uses these additional weeks to fine-tune details, and further tweaks are likely to be applied before the final release. For now, the company is opting to keep the changes in dark mode and disable certain effects in light mode, while it continues to gather feedback from those testing the system.
The beta program: how to access and recommendations
The fourth beta of iOS 26 is primarily aimed at registered developers, who can install it to adapt their apps before the global release. For those who want to experience the public beta, the process is simple: just sign up for the official program using your Apple ID, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and turn on the "Beta Updates" option, selecting "iOS 26 Public Beta" when available.
It is not recommended to install the beta on the primary device. If you need maximum stability, as these types of releases can be prone to bugs, glitches, or abnormal battery consumption. It's best to test it on a secondary device and wait for subsequent public releases before updating your everyday iPhone. It's important to have about 15 GB free and that the device is running at least iOS 18.5. Also, if you decide to update, rolling back to previous versions isn't easy, and it's a good idea to do your research before taking the plunge.
The role of artificial intelligence and security
One of the features that regains prominence with iOS 26 beta 4 is the automatic summaries of notifications and news Using AI. Following past controversies over misinterpretations, Apple has included visible warnings reminding users that these summaries may alter the original meaning of news stories. Users are advised to verify the accuracy before relying entirely on the system's automatic summary.
Security remains a key issue in beta versions. As these are systems under development, The protection is not the same as in final editions, so it's advisable to avoid testing them if you're handling sensitive or important personal data. The final version will arrive later, fully polished and with all of Apple's usual safeguards.
