iOS 26 Beta 4 Release Notes: What's New in Apple's Latest Developer Update
Category: iOS Data Recovery
3 mins read
Apple released iOS 26 beta 4 on July 22, 2025. This update is for developers. It refines the upcoming iOS version. It focuses on visuals, AI, and usability. The build is 23A5297i. You can find details on Apple's official developer website. This beta builds on earlier ones. It fixes issues and adds features. Users search for these notes to learn about changes. They want to know if they should upgrade.
In this guide, we cover the main updates of iOS 26 Beta 4. We use official sources and tech reports. This helps developers and testers. It shows new features, fixes, and more.
In this article:
iOS 26 Beta 4 Key New Features and Design Changes
iOS 26 beta 4 highlights "Liquid Glass" design. This creates a translucent, glass-like look. It was toned down in beta 3. Now, it is back and improved. You see it in toolbars, the Music app, and Home Screen. It boosts readability and style.
A new "Welcome" screen appears after update. It guides users on Siri, AI summaries, and Camera app changes. This helps quick learning.
AI notification summaries return. They focus on news apps. The feature condenses alerts. It shows "Summarized by Apple Intelligence." This reduces notification overload.
Notification Center has dynamic tints. The background adjusts as you scroll. Wallpaper darkens when you open it. This improves visibility and comfort.
New dynamic wallpapers change colors. They are in default settings. This adds life to Lock Screen and Home Screen. CarPlay gets similar options.
iOS 26 Beta 4 App-Specific Adjustments and Improvements
Apps get specific updates. The Camera app has a new icon. It shows a larger lens. A splash screen explains changes. Gestures feel better. Fixes include ultra-wide sensor display.
The Mail app has a refreshed icon. Gestures are smoother. Notes app fixes toolbar spacing. This improves quick edits.
Other changes include new app launch pages. Face ID settings are refined. Phone app adds call screening. You can silence unknown calls or ask for reasons. iPadOS 26 shares these updates for better multitasking.
iOS 26 Beta 4 Update Size, Performance, and Compatibility
Update size varies by device. It ranges from 2GB to over 13GB. Some see 3GB or more. You need 5-17GB free space. Check in Settings before install.
Performance is strong in beta 4 with good battery life: Users have long been complaining about lag and battery drain in iOS 26 — the Liquid Glass effect really takes a huge toll on performance, but it looks like Apple has finally optimized it in this version; in addition, system stability has improved, notifications respond faster, and the user interface feels more fluid.
It supports iPhone 12 and newer. Enroll in Apple's developer program. Follow guidelines.
iOS 26 Beta 4 Known Issues, Bugs, and Fixes
Betas have issues. Common ones include battery drain and app crashes. Connectivity can glitch, like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Lag and overheating may occur. Beta 4 fixes some from earlier builds. Notification summaries are clearer. Liquid Glass visuals are consistent.
Official notes on Apple's site list resolved bugs. They cover API changes. For problems, try force restart. Reset networks if needed. Tools like iMyFone iOS System Repair can help. They avoid data loss.
Betas also improve integration with watchOS 26 and macOS 26. Full notes will update on Apple's site.
Get ready for the upcoming iOS 26 public Beta
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter, all signs point to iOS 26 entering the public beta phase this week, likely on or around Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Apple confirmed a July public beta but gave no exact date.
Before upgrading to the iOS 26 Beta, there are several important points to keep in mind. First, make sure your iPhone has enough free storage—Apple recommends at least 15GB to ensure a smooth update. Second, update your device on a stable Wi-Fi network to avoid interruptions. Most importantly, always back up your data before upgrading, as beta versions can be unstable and may cause app crashes, system errors, or even data loss.
For backups, besides using iCloud or iTunes/Finder, we recommend using a professional tool like iMyFone D-Back. D-Back supports various backup methods and can help you recover lost data quickly if something goes wrong during the upgrade. Its powerful recovery features reduce the risk of data loss and keep your important information safe.
Note that iOS 26 Beta supports iPhone 11 and later models, including iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd gen. Some new features, like Apple Intelligence, require the latest iPhone 15 Pro or 16 series to work fully. Since beta versions may affect normal device usage—especially with banking apps or CarPlay—regular users should consider testing on a secondary device to avoid disruption.
In summary, before upgrading to iOS 26 Beta:
- Ensure at least 15GB of free storage
- Update on a stable Wi-Fi connection
- Back up your data thoroughly, using iCloud and tools like D-Back
- Check device compatibility and consider risks, preferably using a non-primary device for testing