✍️ By: Sam | IndTechWorld
Apple is moving full steam ahead with its next big software update—iOS 26. On July 22, 2025, the company rolled out iOS 26 Beta 4 for developers, and it brings back some fan-favorite features while polishing up the overall experience.
This might be the last developer beta before the public beta launch, so Apple seems focused on fine-tuning rather than experimenting. Let’s break down what’s new, what’s been fixed, and what iPhone users can expect.
What’s New in iOS 26 Beta 4?

Liquid Glass Design Is Back (And Better)
Apple has reintroduced the Liquid Glass design after briefly toning it down in Beta 3. This feature gives the user interface a dynamic, glass-like effect that reflects content in real-time. It’s back to looking smooth, transparent, and visually stunning across key apps like:
- Apple Music: The bottom bar now blends with the album art beautifully.
- Safari: The address bar fades softly into the background for better readability.
- Lock Screen: Notifications now appear with improved contrast and a layered look.
- Control Center: Backgrounds feel more immersive and less “frosted.”
This design shift brings back that futuristic “alive” feel Apple teased at WWDC 2025.
AI Notification Summaries Return
After being pulled earlier due to a few headline mix-ups, Apple has reintroduced AI-generated notification summaries in Beta 4.
You can now choose to enable summaries for categories like News and Entertainment. These notifications are:
- Marked with “Summarized by Apple Intelligence”
- Styled in italics to stand out
- Displayed with a warning that the meaning may differ from the original headline
This feature helps declutter your notification center by grouping related alerts into one smart summary.
Camera App Gets a Refresh
Beta 4 brings a new look and feel to the Camera app:
- A redesigned mode selector that moves with your swipe
- A welcome screen explaining the changes the first time you open the app
- A new icon with a wider lens and slimmer bezel that matches Apple’s design focus on ultra-wide cameras
These tweaks make the Camera feel cleaner and more modern.
Say Hello to Smarter Call Screening
Apple has replaced the old “Silence Unknown Callers” option with a new, smarter tool: Screen Unknown Callers. You now get three call handling options:
- Never – No screening; all calls come through.
- Ask Reason for Calling – Prompts unknown callers to state their reason. You’ll see a transcript before deciding to answer.
- Silence – Silently sends unknown calls to voicemail, like before.
This brings iPhones closer to the advanced call screening features Google offers on Pixel devices—finally!
Dynamic Wallpapers & Updated CarPlay Looks
- New Dynamic Wallpaper: iOS now automatically rotates between four built-in colors (Dusk, Halo, Shadow, and Blue) throughout the day, giving your Home Screen a subtle refresh.
- Updated CarPlay Backgrounds: 12 new wallpapers have been added for CarPlay, all designed to match the iOS 26 aesthetic. These come in both light and dark modes, with fresh colors like brown, green, and red.
Other Small But Useful Changes
iOS 26 Beta 4 also brings smaller refinements across the system:
- Face ID & Passcode: The passcode screen now includes a clear lock icon and more readable instructions.
- Passwords App: A new option called “Allow Contacting Websites” helps fetch site icons and info. Plus, a Notes section now appears directly in the password list.
- Weather App: A new toggle uses your Significant Locations to auto-show frequently visited cities.
- Sound Settings: “Late Night Mode” is now renamed to Reduce Loud Sounds for clearer understanding.
- Mail and Maps Icons: Subtle visual tweaks for a more polished look in both light and dark mode.
- AirPlay Animation: Transitions now feel smoother and more fluid.
How to Get iOS 26 Beta 4

Want to try it out before the official release? Here’s how to get started:
- Join the Apple Developer Program — it’s free now!
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update
- Tap on Beta Updates
- Select iOS 26 Developer Beta
Make sure you back up your data before installing any beta version.
Compatible Devices for iOS 26
iOS 26 is not available for iPhone XR and iPhone XS series. Here’s the updated list of supported models:
- iPhone 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max
- iPhone SE (2nd Gen)
- iPhone 12 / 12 mini / 12 Pro / 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 / 13 mini / 13 Pro / 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 14 / 14 Plus / 14 Pro / 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus / 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max / 16e
Final Thoughts: A Step Closer to Public Release
iOS 26 Beta 4 isn’t a huge overhaul, but that’s expected at this stage. Instead, Apple is clearly polishing the system, reintroducing well-loved features like Liquid Glass, and adding useful touches across the board.
If this is the final developer beta before the public rollout, it’s a solid foundation. Apple is staying true to its promise of making iOS 26 smarter, more personal, and more beautiful—and we’re all for it.
Stay tuned to IndTechWorld for our full hands-on with the public beta, coming soon!