What's new in iOS 26 Beta 4
Apple continues to actively develop iOS 26. Changes between beta versions are even more significant and noticeable than further changes during the year. So, let's take a look at Apple's current ideas,
What has changed in iOS 26 beta 4:
- Liquid Glass is back
In beta 3, the transparency of the panels was made frosted, and in beta 4, Apple brought back some of the transparency effect: the elements of the tab bar and tool bar panels became "liquid" again, closer to the original Liquid Glass design.
Pop-up panels have a glass effect again. Illustration: 9to5mac.com - Dynamic wallpaper
A new Dynamic wallpaper mode has been added that automatically changes colour throughout the day according to several patterns (Dusk, Halo, Shadow, Sky). - Updates to the Music app
MacOS Tahoe also has a redesigned Music app, with a sidebar that responds to content with transparency similar to Podcasts.Here is the Music app on macOS26 Beta 3 vs Beta 4!
- Minimal Nerd (@minimalnerd1) July 21, 2025
Credit to @xezrunner who installed it before it got pulled! pic.twitter.com/1e4BTdLfou - Newsand Entertainment notifications
Apple Intelligence again allows you to customise notification summaries for the News Entertainment category, with a clear warning that the meaning of headlines may change. - Updates to Phone
New options have been added to the phone app's settings, including silencing unknown callers and advanced call screening controls.
Call settings. Illustration: 9to5mac.com - CarPlay
New wallpapers have been added (9 variants with dark/light adaptations in total).
Icons have been updated (light, dark, and clear).
The Music interface has been redesigned and widgets have been added. There is also support for video in CarPlay, subject to the support of the car manufacturer. - Camera
The camera has
icon and a warning about design changes before the first launch.a slightly refreshed
iOS 26 Beta 4 features a slightly refreshed Camera icon. pic.twitter.com/DC56UJfFg8
- Beta Profiles (@BetaProfiles) July 22, 2025 - macOS Tahoe
In a Monterey-like change, beta 4 reorganises Notifications and Music to resemble iOS 26, with panels that are more interactive and transparent.
Conclusion.
This year's Beta 4 shows a rather interesting twist: at first, Apple removed some innovations in the wake of criticism, but then, after some refinement, it brings them back again. Also, don't forget that on 23 July, a public beta is expected to be released, available to everyone. So, if you are a technology pioneer, join in!
Source: 9to5mac.com
