Apple Redesigns Liquid Glass Effect in iOS 26 Beta 4
Apple released iOS 26 beta 4 to developers on Tuesday, bringing several refinements to its upcoming software update. While not a dramatic overhaul, this release introduces subtle but noticeable changes—particularly to the Liquid Glass design and AI-powered features.
Subtle Visual and AI Enhancements Arrive
One of the most prominent updates in this beta is the reintroduction of Apple’s AI-powered notification summaries for news. These were previously paused after a controversy involving a BBC headline. Specifically, the AI summary incorrectly stated that Luigi Mangione, charged with murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had died by suicide. Following this error, Apple promised a fix. Now, the updated feature includes a clear warning under the “News & Entertainment” setup screen: “Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines.” It also advises users to “Verify information.”
Additionally, a new “Welcome” screen appears after updating. Several features including Siri’s AI summaries, prioritization options, and the redesigned Camera app now come with introductory guides. These changes aim to ease users into the expanded functionality, while also emphasizing transparency around AI content.
Liquid Glass Effects Get a Fresh Pass
Although beta 3 had dialed back some of the transparency across the interface, beta 4 returns to bolder visual effects. Testers have reported enhancements in multiple apps such as Photos, Apple Music, Weather, and the App Store. As users scroll through Notification Center, a dynamic tint now appears, further emphasizing Apple’s layered “Liquid Glass” design philosophy.
Moreover, the update brings aesthetic improvements like a new dynamic wallpaper that shifts colors and fresh wallpapers for CarPlay. While these are minor changes, they continue to reflect Apple’s ongoing effort to polish the UI experience in iOS 26.
Public Beta Nears as Developers Explore
This developer beta comes just ahead of the expected release of the iOS 26 public beta later this week. Apple’s public beta program, launched in response to user interest, gives iPhone owners early access to the software with improved stability over early developer versions. Developers use these earlier betas to ensure app compatibility before the full launch in the coming months.
Although release notes were not yet available on Apple’s Developer website at the time of writing, users can expect the usual mix of bug fixes and minor performance improvements. Beyond iOS, Apple also rolled out beta 4 versions for iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, visionOS, and Xcode, signaling continued momentum across its ecosystem.
