iOS 26.1 Beta 4 is Out! - What's New?

Apple has released iOS 26.1 beta 4, introducing new features like customizable liquid glass effects, a toggle for lock screen camera access, and haptic feedback options for phone calls, alongside various bug fixes and performance improvements.

• Customize 'liquid glass' to clear or tinted.

• Disable accidental camera launch from the lock screen.

• Expect iOS 26.1 public release by early November.

iOS 26.1 beta 4 brings several new features and refinements, allowing users to customize 'liquid glass' transparency to clear or tinted and disable accidental lock screen camera activation. It also adds haptic feedback controls for calls and updates several UI elements to a left-justified layout. While some minor performance issues like App Library search delays persist, overall stability and battery life are generally positive, with key bug fixes implemented for notes and folder display.

New Customization Features

• 00:00:52 iOS 26.1 beta 4 introduces a highly requested feature: adjustable 'liquid glass' effects for the OS, allowing users to choose between clear or tinted appearances in display and brightness settings. This customization applies to elements like the music player and notifications, though the dock and control center retain their original appearance. Additionally, the wallpaper displayed in display zoom settings has been updated to reflect the iOS 26 aesthetic.

Updated User Controls

• 00:02:23 New user controls include an option to disable the lock screen swipe to open camera gesture, preventing accidental camera activation. Another significant update is found within phone settings, where users can now enable or disable haptic feedback when a call is connected or dropped. These additions enhance user control over device interaction and preferences.

UI Changes and Bug Fixes

• 00:03:15 Apple has updated several menus, including Apple Intelligence and Siri descriptions, to a left-justified layout, possibly in preparation for a rumored foldable device. Beta 4 also resolves several bugs, such as incorrect accent character display in Notes and odd shadows behind icons in full folders. Furthermore, a lock screen bug causing unexpected device sleep while using certain apps has been addressed, and the wallpaper desaturation issue appears improved.

Performance and Release Schedule

• 00:08:58 Overall performance in beta 4 is smooth, though some users may experience occasional stutters, particularly a delay in App Library search. The phone maintains a cool temperature, and initial battery life reports for iOS 26.1 are positive. Based on the build number, iOS 26.1 RC could be released as early as next week, with a public release potentially by early November, while an iOS 26.0.2 update may also be released sooner to address critical issues like notification delivery.