Apple Rolls Out Beta 4 for Latest OS Updates: Liquid Glass Returns, macOS Tahoe Gets a Makeover
Apple has just dropped Beta 4 for a suite of its operating systems, including iOS 26, macOS Sequoia 15.6, iPadOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, and tvOS 18.6. This latest developer release brings back the much-loved “liquid Glass” effect for iOS and offers notable visual enhancements too macOS Tahoe.The standout feature making a comeback is the “Liquid Glass” aesthetic in the system’s tools. This visual update, initially present in the first beta and later replaced, returns with a more clear and dynamic appearance, offering a smoother, more fluid user interface. While no groundbreaking new features have been announced, these beta releases are crucial for refining system stability and performance through under-the-hood optimizations and bug fixes.
Meanwhile, macOS Tahoe’s Beta 4 introduces two significant graphic improvements: the Music app has been redesigned to align more closely with the Podcasts app, featuring a more responsive sidebar that dynamically updates with content. Additionally, related notifications have been updated to match the visual style now established in iOS 26.
As Apple continues to iterate towards the public release of iOS 26, anticipated in September, these incremental updates demonstrate a focus on refining the user experience through subtle yet impactful visual tweaks and system enhancements. This ongoing advancement process ensures a polished and robust final product for users.
What are the primary focuses of the iOS 26 Beta 4 release?
Apple Unveils iOS 26, macOS Sequoia 15.6, iPadOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, and tvOS 18.6 Beta 4
Apple continues its iterative development process with the release of the fourth beta versions for its upcoming operating systems: iOS 26,macOS sequoia 15.6, iPadOS 18.6, watchOS 11.6, and tvOS 18.6. These betas provide developers and dedicated testers with crucial opportunities to refine their applications and ensure compatibility with the final releases expected later this year. This article dives into the key changes and improvements found within each beta, focusing on features impacting user experience, performance, and security.
iOS 26 Beta 4: Refining the iPhone Experience
The latest iOS 26 beta focuses heavily on stability improvements and bug fixes, addressing issues reported in previous iterations. Key areas of focus include:
Enhanced Privacy Controls: Building on existing features,iOS 26 Beta 4 introduces more granular control over app permissions. specifically, users now have more options to limit app tracking and prevent unwanted redirects. (Referencing: https://www.zhihu.com/question/3881090995 for related privacy settings).
Safari Improvements: Safari continues to receive attention, with Beta 4 refining the browsing experience.This includes improved tab management, enhanced privacy features, and fixes for website compatibility issues. preventing website redirects to unwanted apps is a key focus.
Messages App Updates: Minor UI tweaks and performance enhancements have been implemented in the Messages app.
System Performance: General performance improvements across the system, resulting in smoother animations and faster app launch times.
Practical Tip: Regularly back up your iPhone before installing any beta software to prevent data loss.
macOS Sequoia 15.6 Beta 4: Powering the Mac Ecosystem
macOS Sequoia 15.6 Beta 4 builds upon the foundation laid by previous releases, concentrating on refining existing features and addressing reported bugs.
Window management Enhancements: Further refinements to the window management system, making it easier to organize and switch between applications.
Spotlight Search Improvements: spotlight search continues to be optimized for speed and accuracy, providing faster access to files, applications, and information.
Security Updates: Core security enhancements to protect against emerging threats.
Safari Compatibility: Ensuring seamless compatibility with the latest Safari updates on iOS and iPadOS.
iPadOS 18.6 Beta 4: Optimizing the Tablet Experience
iPadOS 18.6 Beta 4 mirrors many of the improvements found in iOS 26, but with optimizations tailored for the larger screen size and unique capabilities of the iPad.
Multitasking Refinements: Continued improvements to multitasking features, making it easier to work with multiple apps simultaneously.
apple Pencil Support: Enhanced Apple Pencil integration, providing a more responsive and natural writing and drawing experience.
Stage Manager Updates: Further refinements to Stage Manager, Apple’s flexible windowing system.
watchOS 11.6 Beta 4: Enhancing the Apple Watch
watchOS 11.6 Beta 4 focuses on stability and performance improvements for the Apple Watch.
Workout App Enhancements: Minor updates to the Workout app, improving accuracy and providing more detailed metrics.
Notification System Refinements: Improvements to the notification system, making it easier to manage and prioritize alerts.
battery Life Optimization: Ongoing efforts to optimize battery life,extending the time between charges.
tvOS 18.6 Beta 4: Bringing the Entertainment to Life
tvOS 18.6 Beta 4 delivers subtle but impactful improvements to the Apple TV experience.