iOS 26 Beta 4: Liquid Glass & Notification Updates

iOS 26 Beta 4: A Deep Dive into the Latest Features

Apple has released iOS 26 Beta 4 for developers and beta testers, bringing a mix of visual tweaks and feature updates. This version revisits the controversial Liquid Glass UI, re-enables Notification Summaries for News & Entertainment, and introduces subtle changes to the Camera app and Call Screening options. Let’s explore these changes in detail.

Liquid Glass: A Second Look

Liquid Glass, Apple’s new UI design language, was first unveiled at WWDC 2025. It aims to align the iPhone’s interface with the glass-like elements of the Vision Pro headset, creating a more unified user experience. However, the initial reception was mixed, with some praising its futuristic aesthetic and others comparing it unfavorably to Windows Vista.

The third iOS 26 beta toned down the reflections and darkened the interface in response to user feedback. However, iOS 26 Beta 4 seems to be reverting to the original design, bringing back the more pronounced glass-like effect. Scrolling through notifications in the Notification Center is now easier with a slightly darker background that enhances readability.

Notification Summaries Return

Notification Summaries for News & Entertainment are back after being disabled in January due to issues with Apple Intelligence generating inaccurate summaries. This feature allows users to quickly scan key details in a condensed format, providing a convenient overview of the latest news and entertainment updates.

Camera App and Call Screening Updates

The Camera app receives a subtle visual refresh, accompanied by a new splash screen highlighting the UI changes. Call Screening options have also been updated, allowing users to:

• Turn off Call Screening entirely.
• Ask unknown callers for the reason for their call.
• Automatically silence calls from unknown numbers.

These updates provide greater control over incoming calls and help users avoid unwanted interruptions.

Key Changes in iOS 26 Beta 4

To summarize, here are the main changes included in the latest beta:

• Liquid Glass UI: Reflections are back, similar to Beta 2.
• Notification Summaries: Re-enabled for News & Entertainment.
• Camera App: Minor visual tweaks and updated splash screen.
• Call Screening: New options for managing unknown callers.

Impact on User Experience

The changes in iOS 26 Beta 4 are primarily focused on refining the user interface and improving the overall user experience. The return of the Liquid Glass UI, while potentially divisive, demonstrates Apple’s commitment to its new design language. The re-enabled Notification Summaries and updated Call Screening options offer practical benefits, allowing users to stay informed and manage their communications more effectively.

Testing and Availability

Currently, iOS 26 Beta 4 is only available to registered developers and beta testers. Public availability will likely follow in the coming weeks as Apple continues to test and refine the software. Users interested in participating in the public beta program can sign up through Apple’s Beta Software Program website.

A Closer Look at Liquid Glass Design

Liquid Glass aims to create a sense of depth and transparency in the UI, mimicking the appearance of glass surfaces. This is achieved through the use of reflections, shadows, and blur effects. While the initial implementation was met with mixed reactions, Apple continues to iterate on the design, seeking to strike a balance between aesthetics and usability.

Potential Benefits of Liquid Glass

• Enhanced visual appeal
• Improved sense of depth and immersion
• More cohesive user experience across Apple devices

Potential Drawbacks of Liquid Glass

• Increased visual clutter
• Reduced legibility in certain lighting conditions
• Potential for performance issues on older devices

Analyzing the Notification Summary Feature

The return of Notification Summaries is a welcome addition for users who rely on this feature to stay informed. By providing a condensed overview of news and entertainment updates, Notification Summaries save users time and effort. However, the accuracy of the summaries is crucial, as demonstrated by the issues that led to the feature’s temporary removal.

Ensuring Accuracy in Notification Summaries

Apple needs to ensure that the Apple Intelligence algorithms used to generate Notification Summaries are accurate and reliable. This requires ongoing training and refinement of the algorithms, as well as robust quality control measures. Users should also have the ability to provide feedback on the accuracy of summaries, helping Apple to improve the feature over time.

Future Updates and Expectations

As iOS 26 continues to evolve, we can expect to see further refinements to the Liquid Glass UI, as well as additional feature updates and performance improvements. Apple is likely to address any remaining concerns about the design language and continue to optimize the software for a wide range of devices.