Apple has released iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 4 for users in the Beta Software Program. This build matches developer beta 7 and is available through Settings > General > Software Update. The release continues Apple’s cycle of preparing for the final launch expected in September.
In this build, a new Adaptive Power notifications toggle has been added under Battery > Power Mode. This option allows users to control whether the device alerts them when performance is being reduced to extend battery life. It complements the existing Adaptive Power feature by providing more transparency and user control.
Messages now includes a Drafts filter in the filter view. This highlights conversations where a reply has been started but not sent, making it easier to find and continue unfinished messages without searching through the entire inbox.
iOS 26 public beta 4 also introduces support for Apple’s redesigned Blood Oxygen experience on Apple Watch models in the United States. For Series 9, Series 10, and Ultra 2 models paired with an iPhone, measurements are now processed on the phone and displayed in the Health app. This restores Blood Oxygen functionality for affected users in compliance with U.S. restrictions.
A fix has also been applied to address an issue where screenshots could appear darker than expected in earlier betas. Alongside this, the update includes stability improvements and other minor adjustments typical of late-stage beta releases.
It is important to note that many of the headline features of iOS 26, such as the Liquid Glass design language, Live Translation, dynamic wallpapers, Call Screen and Hold Assist, and other Apple Intelligence tools, were introduced in earlier betas. Public beta 4 focuses on the additions listed above and general performance tuning.
For iPad, iPadOS 26 public beta 4 delivers the same changes without any additional iPad-specific updates. The release mirrors the iPhone build and continues Apple’s effort to stabilize the software before its official rollout.
