Apple rolls out iOS 26.1 public beta 4 update: All the new features explained

iOS 26

After Apple officially unveiled its latest operating system for its iPhones, iOS 26, last month, following the launch of its iPhone 17 lineup, the company has now released the fourth developer beta version for iOS 26.1. It presents a major step toward refining the iPhone experience, with the update building on the bold Liquid Glass design from iOS 26, providing you more control over how your phone looks and works.

iOS 26.1 Public Beta 4: New features, eligible devices

Apple has introduced a new setting that allows users to adjust the transparency level of the Liquid Glass interface with the beta iOS 26.1 update. It will enable users to switch between Clear and Tinted modes. The Clear mode maintains the traditional Liquid Glass effect—transparent, while the Tinted mode slightly increases opacity and contrast to make text and interface elements easier to read.

iOS 26.1 also expands Apple Intelligence language support as well as AirPods Live Translation language compatibility. Moreover, the update also introduces a toggle that allows users to disable the swipe-to-open camera gesture from the lock screen. Further, Apple has added a new Haptics toggle in the Phone settings menu, which disables haptic feedback that occurs when a call connects or disconnects.

If you’re part of the Beta Software Program, you can download the iOS 26.1 public beta update by heading to Settings > General > Software Update. However, since this is a beta update, we recommend not installing it on a daily driver. The update is available for iPhone SE 2nd generation and iPhones launched post that, including the latest iPhone 17 lineup.