Apple Releases iOS 26 Beta 4 Alongside First Public Beta for Users

Apple has released an updated version of iOS 26 beta 4 for developers, introducing a new build number. While this revision doesn’t appear to include any major feature additions, it likely focuses on behind-the-scenes bug fixes and performance improvements. The new build aligns with the first public beta of iOS 26, indicating Apple’s efforts to keep the developer and public testing channels synchronized.

The original developer beta of iOS 26 beta 4 was marked with build number 23A5297i, but the revised version now carries build 23A5297m. This change was first reported by Beta Profiles, a popular beta tracking account on X (formerly Twitter).

Minor Tweaks Expected in the New Build

Although Apple hasn’t published a changelog detailing the differences between the two beta builds, early observations suggest this update may primarily address stability issues or minor bugs reported in the earlier version. Such incremental updates are common during Apple’s beta testing cycles, as the company continues refining its software before the public release.

Alongside the revised iOS beta, Apple has also rolled out public beta versions of iPadOS 26 and macOS 26, signaling the company’s broader expansion of its cross-platform beta testing efforts.

Key Features Introduced in iOS 26 Beta 4

The original release of iOS 26 beta 4 brought a number of visual and usability enhancements aimed at improving the overall iPhone experience. One of the most noticeable changes was a reduction in transparent UI elements, a decision made to enhance readability across the interface.

Apple also made refinements to its Liquid Glass design system, offering a cleaner and more modern look. Additionally, notification summaries for News and Entertainment were reintroduced—features that had been disabled in earlier versions of iOS 26.

Smaller visual changes were also implemented. For example, the Camera app icon received a subtle design tweak, while Call Screening options saw refinements that improve ease of use. These minor but meaningful updates reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to perfecting the user interface.

Notification Center Improvements

A major focus in iOS 26 beta 4 was improving legibility in the Notification Center. Apple darkened the background color of the panel, making it easier for users to read incoming alerts and messages. This change directly addresses feedback from early testers, many of whom noted that the previous transparency made notifications difficult to read in various lighting conditions.

The updated Notification Center is part of Apple’s broader push to enhance visual clarity and user experience without compromising the system’s aesthetic appeal.

Public Beta Release Aligns with Developer Build

In a move that brings both developer and public testers onto the same track, Apple has now released the first public beta of iOS 26, featuring the same build number as the updated developer beta. This allows Apple to streamline feedback and reduce fragmentation during the testing process.

The simultaneous release also encourages broader testing across a more diverse user base, which can help Apple identify rare bugs or edge cases that may not emerge in the developer-only builds.

iOS 26 Final Release Expected With iPhone 17

Apple is expected to officially launch iOS 26 later this year, likely timed with the release of the iPhone 17 series. Although a specific launch date hasn't been confirmed, the annual September hardware event remains the most probable window for both announcements.

Apple first previewed iOS 26 during WWDC 2025, and since then, developer and public betas have offered an early look at what users can expect. With continued updates like this revised beta 4, Apple appears on track to deliver a polished, stable OS by the time the next-generation iPhones debut.