Apple Releases iOS 26 Developer Beta 4 with Refined UI, Return of AI News Summaries

The final release of iOS 26 is expected to coincide with the launch of the next-generation iPhone, likely in September.

By DTD- On Jul 23, 2025

Cupertino, CA — July 23, 2025 — Apple has released the fourth developer beta of iOS 26, introducing a series of interface enhancements and marking the return of its AI-powered news notification summaries — a feature previously paused amid controversy over misinformation.

The release, which comes just ahead of the expected launch of the iOS 26 public beta later this week, offers developers early access to upcoming features to ensure app compatibility before the broader rollout this fall.

AI News Summaries Return with Warning Label

One of the most notable changes in iOS 26 beta 4 is the reinstatement of AI-generated news summaries for notifications. The feature had been suspended earlier this year following a BBC complaint about a misrepresented headline related to the murder of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. The AI had incorrectly summarized that the suspect, Luigi Mangione, had died by suicide — prompting Apple to review its implementation.

In the latest beta, Apple has added a new disclaimer during setup in the “News & Entertainment” section. It now states:
“Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines. Verify information.”

This move reflects Apple’s cautious approach as it continues to refine AI integration across its ecosystem.

UI Enhancements and Liquid Glass Tweaks

iOS 26 beta 4 also brings several user interface updates, with continued focus on Apple’s evolving Liquid Glass design language. Key visual improvements include:

Dynamic tinting in Notification Center, which darkens the wallpaper background during scroll to enhance readability.
Restored transparency effects in system apps that were toned down in beta 3.
New onboarding experiences for Siri, the AI notifications tool, and the redesigned Camera app.
A refreshed “Welcome” splash screen, highlighting what’s new for returning users.
A new dynamic wallpaper that shifts color based on user interaction, plus new wallpapers for CarPlay.

These changes suggest Apple is aiming for both aesthetic refinement and functional clarity in the final iOS 26 release.

Broader Developer Rollout

Alongside iOS 26 beta 4, Apple has also released the fourth beta versions of:

iPadOS 26
macOS 26
watchOS 26
tvOS 26
visionOS 26
Xcode 26

Full release notes had not been published on Apple’s developer portal at the time of reporting, but developers expect this beta to include additional bug fixes and performance improvements.

Looking Ahead

iOS 26 was first unveiled at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. The public beta, expected later this week, is anticipated to be more stable and widely accessible, continuing Apple’s tradition of offering early previews to tech-savvy users before the official launch in the fall.

The final release of iOS 26 is expected to coincide with the launch of the next-generation iPhone, likely in September.