Apple has rolled out the fourth developer beta of its forthcoming iOS 26 update, introducing subtle refinements to its Liquid Glass interface and reintroducing AI-powered notification summaries for news — a feature previously paused due to concerns over misinformation.
The beta release precedes the expected launch of the iOS 26 public beta later this week. Developer betas are typically aimed at giving app developers early access to upcoming software in order to ensure compatibility before the wider public release, expected in the coming months.
Among the most notable features in iOS 26 beta 4 is the return of Apple’s AI-driven news notification summaries. The feature was suspended earlier this year following a complaint by the BBC over the misrepresentation of a headline related to the UnitedHealthcare CEO murder case. The AI summary had falsely stated that suspect Luigi Mangione had died by suicide, prompting Apple to revise how summaries are displayed.
In response, Apple has added a disclaimer in the setup screen for the feature, under the “News & Entertainment” section. The company now warns users that “Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines” and advises them to “Verify information.”
The new beta also introduces a range of user interface improvements. A dynamic tint has been added to the Notification Center, gradually darkening the wallpaper background as users scroll through alerts — a change aimed at improving readability. Similar aesthetic updates have been rolled out across the App Store, Photos, Apple Music, and Weather apps.
The developer build also includes a revamped “Welcome” splash screen and new onboarding experiences for features such as Siri, the AI notifications tool, and the redesigned Camera app.
Further visual refinements have been made to Apple’s Liquid Glass design language, which has been the subject of ongoing adjustments since its initial reveal. While beta 3 reduced transparency in several system apps, beta 4 appears to reinstate some of those translucent effects.
Additionally, a new dynamic wallpaper that shifts in color based on user interaction has been introduced, along with fresh wallpapers for CarPlay.
At the time of reporting, Apple had not yet released full release notes for iOS 26 beta 4 on its developer portal. However, developers expect the update to include routine bug fixes and performance enhancements.
Alongside iOS 26 beta 4, Apple also released the fourth betas of iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and Xcode 26.
The iOS 26 update was first previewed during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference in June. Public betas, typically more stable than developer versions, have become increasingly popular among general users keen to experience new features ahead of the official rollout.
