Apple recently rolled out iOS 26.1 beta 4, marking one of the most user-focused beta releases yet. The update fine-tunes the new Liquid Glass interface, gives users greater control over the Lock Screen experience, expands Apple Intelligence language support, and introduces several refinements across system apps like Apple TV, Music, and Phone.
This build continues Apple’s focus on customization and stability after the visually bold iOS 26 redesign. It also hints that the final release of iOS 26.1 is just around the corner, likely arriving by late October or early November.
Liquid Glass toggle adds Clear and Tinted options
One of the most requested features since iOS 26’s debut has finally arrived. iOS 26.1 beta 4 introduces a new toggle in Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass that lets you choose between two transparency modes.
The Clear mode keeps the original translucent look, while Tinted adds subtle opacity to increase contrast behind interface elements, notifications, and widgets. The change is system-wide and is expected to eventually extend to third-party apps as well.
This addition shows Apple responding directly to feedback from users who found the Liquid Glass effect beautiful but sometimes distracting or hard to read under certain lighting.
Lock Screen camera swipe can finally be disabled
For the first time, iPhone users can now disable the swipe-left gesture that opens the Camera app from the Lock Screen. The new option can be found in Settings > Camera > Lock Screen Swipe to Launch.
Disabling this prevents accidental camera openings while still allowing access through the Lock Screen button, Control Center, the iPhone 16 Camera Control, or the Action button on the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models. It’s a small but meaningful change that improves both privacy and usability.
Apple Intelligence
Apple Intelligence no longer carries the “Beta” tag in settings, signaling that it is nearing general release. The interface has been polished, with consistent icons and typography that now match the rest of iOS.
Apple TV drops the “Plus” and gets a new icon
Apple’s streaming service officially drops the “Plus” branding, now simply called Apple TV. The rebrand comes with a new app icon and a refreshed identity meant to unify the TV experience across devices.
This subtle but symbolic change aligns the service with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, and other platform apps, signaling a shift toward simpler, more recognizable naming.
Other small improvements across iOS
iOS 26.1 also includes several smaller refinements. The Phone app now lets users disable haptic feedback when calls connect or end, providing a quieter call experience. The Music app gains a new swipe gesture for changing songs, and the alarm interface reintroduces a nostalgic “Slide to Unlock” style for dismissing alarms.
Together, these tweaks make iOS 26.1 beta 4 feel more polished and responsive, rounding out what may be the final beta before the release candidate build expected next week.
When to expect the public release
With both developer and public beta 4 versions now live, Apple is expected to release the iOS 26.1 RC build by late October. If testing goes smoothly, the public rollout could begin in early November.
Users enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program can install iOS 26.1 beta 4 by going to Settings > General > Software Update, but it’s recommended to back up the device before updating.
