iOS 26 Developer Beta 4: What’s New and Worth Noting

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Apple dropped iOS 26 Developer Beta 4 today (July 22, 2025), and it’s all about tightening the screws. We’re talking cleaner visuals, smarter features, and some solid stability improvements. With the public beta set to land tomorrow, this release is Apple’s way of saying, “We’re almost ready for prime time.” Expect the next few weeks to focus on ironing out bugs, polishing the user experience, and making sure performance stays sharp ahead of the full launch later this year.

What’s new in IOS 26 Developer Beta 4?

Liquid Glass Gets a Polish

The Liquid Glass design is still here, but Apple has toned it down. The heavy transparency from earlier betas is gone, replaced with a softer, frosted effect that’s much easier on the eyes. Text and icons pop more, making everyday use feel less like a design experiment and more like a finished product. Apple is clearly paying attention to feedback while keeping that modern, layered look that defines iOS 26.

Transitions have been smoothed out, too. Notifications, widgets, and the Control Center flow better and feel less cluttered. It’s subtle, but it gives the system a more polished and futuristic vibe without trying too hard.

How to Install the Beta

If you’re a registered Apple developer, you can download Beta 4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your device. Make sure your developer profile is installed first. For step-by-step instructions or to enroll in the developer program, visit the Apple Developer site. For those who want to wait for the public beta, Apple should be releasing it fairly soon. Regardless of which beta you choose, always back up your iPhone before installing. Beta versions can be buggy and may impact battery life or app performance, so proceed with caution if this is your daily driver.

Upgrades You’ll Notice

Design tweaks aside, Beta 4 brings practical updates:

Maps: Commute delay alerts make navigation smarter.
Messages: AI-powered backgrounds and polls feel smoother and more reliable.
Wallet: Cleaner layouts for flights, tickets, and passes.
Screenshots: HDR captures and quick calendar event creation from screenshot text.
Recovery Assistant: A simpler, more user-friendly way to troubleshoot devices.
Music and Podcasts: More consistent layouts with improved sidebars.

Why IOS 26 Developer Beta 4 Matters

This beta is a key checkpoint in Apple’s cycle. It’s very close to what the public beta will look like when it (supposedly) drops on July 23. For developers and testers, this means fewer crashes and better battery performance, making it the right time to start experimenting with new features.

The full iOS 26 release is expected in September alongside the iPhone 17 lineup. Until then, Apple will keep fine-tuning these features with a few more beta builds. If you plan to test the public beta, back up your device first. Features like the HDR screenshots, improved Wallet tools, and refined Liquid Glass design are shaping up to be highlights of the final version.

iOS 26 Developer Beta 4 isn’t just a maintenance update. It’s a clear sign that Apple is in the home stretch. With smarter features and a cleaner interface, this build feels both fresh and reliable. If this is any indication of what’s coming, iOS 26 is on track to be one of Apple’s most polished updates yet.

Find any additional new features or fixes? Let me know in the comments!

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 14 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.