Apple has officially released iOS 26.1 beta 4 to developers and public testers on October 20, 2025, marking one of the final beta updates before the public release of iOS26.1. This version, build number 23B5073a, introduces key interface refinements, privacy controls, and performance improvements that address many user requests from earlier betas.
Credit by MacRumors
What’s New & Changed in iOS 26.1 Beta 4
Here’s a breakdown of the most significant changes and refinements in this beta:
1. Liquid Glass Opacity Toggle (Clear / Tinted)
One of the most visible changes is that iOS 26.1 Beta 4 introduces a setting allowing users to adjust how “glassy” or opaque the Liquid Glass UI appears:
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In Settings → Display & Brightness → Liquid Glass, you can now choose between “Clear” (maximum transparency) and “Tinted” (increased opacity for better readability).
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The “Tinted” mode helps mitigate legibility issues that some users experienced with the ultra-transparent look, especially on light backgrounds.
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This change appears to appease critics of the original Liquid Glass design, giving more control over how “glass-like” the UI feels.
This toggle is a key usability concession: users no longer have to accept a one-size-fits-all transparency effect.
2. Lock Screen Camera Swipe Disable Option
In response to user feedback, Apple has introduced a new setting that allows users to disable the swipe-to-open Camera gesture on the lock screen. This feature can be found under Settings > Camera > Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. Disabling this gesture prevents accidental camera launches and enhances privacy by ensuring that unauthorized users cannot access the camera without unlocking the device.
3. Apple Intelligence Enhancements
Apple continues to expand its Apple Intelligence capabilities. The latest beta introduces support for additional languages, including Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. This expansion broadens the accessibility of features like Live Translation and contextual Siri responses to a more diverse user base.
4. Refinements and Bug Fixes
Beyond the major features, iOS 26.1 Beta 4 includes various refinements and bug fixes aimed at improving system stability and performance. Users can expect smoother animations, enhanced responsiveness, and overall improved reliability across the system.
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Final Thoughts
With iOS 26.1 Beta 4, Apple strikes the right balance between design aesthetics and usability. The transparency controls, camera toggle, and subtle interface improvements make iOS 26 feel more personal and less polarizing.
If Apple continues refining in this direction, the final version of iOS 26.1 could be the most stable and user-friendly release of the iOS 26 cycle so far.
