Apple Releases iOS 26.1 Beta 4: Here’s Everything New

Apple has rolled out iOS 26.1 beta 4 for developers and public beta testers, adding several new features and refinements before the final release expected later this month. While it’s the fourth beta, Apple is still introducing noticeable updates that make iOS 26.1 one of the more feature-packed mid-cycle releases in recent years.

Liquid Glass Customization Arrives

The highlight of iOS 26.1 beta 4 is a new toggle that lets users customize the look of Liquid Glass, Apple’s sleek translucent interface effect. You can now choose between Clear and Tinted settings under Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass. The Clear option keeps the traditional transparent look, while the Tinted setting adds contrast by slightly increasing opacity across menus, buttons, and other UI elements.

This change also appears on macOS in Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass, though the visual difference there seems less dramatic. It’s a small but appreciated addition for users who want better visibility or less visual noise.

Disable Lock Screen Camera Swipe

Another welcome improvement is the ability to turn off the Lock Screen camera shortcut. Found under Settings > Camera > Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera, this toggle prevents the accidental launch of the Camera app when swiping from the lock screen. Previously, disabling this shortcut required turning off the camera entirely.

The feature first appeared years ago and later shifted to a right-swipe gesture. With newer iPhones already offering dedicated camera controls through the Action Button and Control Center, this update gives users more control over how they access the camera.

Apple Intelligence and AirPods Updates

iOS 26.1 also continues expanding Apple Intelligence and AirPods Live Translation features. Apple Intelligence now supports Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese, bringing AI-powered writing and summarization tools to more users worldwide.

AirPods Live Translation gains additional language support as well, adding Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, Japanese, and Korean to its list. The feature, which works with AirPods Pro 2, Pro 3, and AirPods 4, originally launched with English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish.

Apple TV Rebrand and Other Tweaks

Apple’s streaming service is officially dropping the “+” and will now be known simply as Apple TV, debuting with a more vibrant new logo. The change is part of a broader rebrand across platforms, aiming for a more unified identity.

In the Settings app, users will also notice a Local Capture section under General. This new setting lets you choose where Local Capture files are saved or limit them to audio-only captures.

Smaller tweaks include a Slide to Unlock interface for dismissing alarms, a swipe gesture for skipping songs in the Music app, and UI alignment changes to the Apple Intelligence settings page, which no longer carries the “Beta” label.

What’s Next

With the public beta now available, Apple is nearing the final release of iOS 26.1, expected in late October or early November. This update not only refines the iOS 26 experience but also lays the groundwork for broader Apple Intelligence features coming later this year.

In short, iOS 26.1 beta 4 might look like a small step, but it adds thoughtful touches—more customization, better accessibility, and subtle polish—that make your iPhone feel smarter and more personal.