CUPERTINO, CA – July 22, 2025 – Apple has rolled out iOS 26 Developer Beta 4 to registered developers, marking another step toward the anticipated September launch of its next-generation iPhone operating system. The release, which became available today, introduces refinements to the system’s innovative “Liquid Glass” design, enhanced AirPods integration, and improved battery management features, among other updates. The first public beta, aligning with this developer build, is expected to launch as early as tomorrow, July 23, allowing a broader range of iPhone users to test the software ahead of its official debut.
Announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025, iOS 26 represents a significant overhaul of the iPhone user experience, with a new design language dubbed “Liquid Glass.” This interface, inspired by the translucent aesthetics of visionOS, features rounded, glass-like elements that adapt dynamically to content and user interactions. Following mixed feedback on earlier betas, particularly regarding readability, Beta 4 reintroduces more “liquid” elements to the design while offering customizable transparency levels to balance aesthetics and usability. Users can now choose from five transparency stages, including a “Frosted Glass” option, to tailor the interface to their preferences.
Key features in iOS 26 Beta 4 include advancements in AirPods functionality, such as real-time language translation for AirPods Pro 2 and 4th-generation AirPods, hands-free camera controls via stem taps, and notifications for charging status or sleep detection during media playback. The update also enhances connectivity with smarter eSIM switching based on geographic location and Wi-Fi Sync Assist, which streamlines public Wi-Fi logins across iCloud-connected devices. Additionally, a new Adaptive Power Mode optimizes battery life by adjusting screen brightness and system processes during high-usage periods, with color-coded battery consumption data now available in Settings.
The release also addresses bugs and performance issues reported in previous betas, which some users described as laggy or glitchy, though opinions vary on its stability. One X user noted that iOS 26 is “the most stable beta since iOS 14,” while others have expressed frustration with battery drain and the Liquid Glass animations’ impact on performance. Apple’s iterative approach aims to refine these elements based on developer and user feedback, with the public beta expected to offer a more polished experience.
The iOS 26 public beta, anticipated for July 23, will be available to anyone enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program, free of charge. Alongside iOS 26, public betas for iPadOS 26, macOS 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and HomePod Software 26 are also expected, though visionOS 26 will remain developer-only. Apple advises users to back up their devices before installing beta software due to potential bugs that could affect app compatibility or performance.
iOS 26 is compatible with iPhone 11 and newer models, including the iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations), but drops support for older devices like the iPhone XR and XS. The update will officially launch in September alongside the iPhone 17 series, which is rumored to include an ultra-thin “Air” model. As Apple continues to refine iOS 26, the beta program offers developers and early adopters a chance to shape the final release through the Feedback Assistant app.
With iOS 26 Beta 4, Apple is laying the groundwork for a visually striking and functionally advanced operating system, setting the stage for a transformative iPhone experience later this year.
