Apple’s iOS 26 Liquid Glass Update: What’s New in Beta 4?
Apple is refining the visual language of its mobile OS with the latest iOS 26 Liquid Glass changes in Beta 4. After mixed feedback from developers and early adopters about the overly muted translucency in Beta 3, Apple has rolled back some of those adjustments. In this latest beta, the company is increasing transparency in key interface areas like app navigation bars and buttons, giving users a more immersive and visually refined experience. If you've been wondering how the Liquid Glass effect has evolved—or whether it’s closer to Beta 2’s clarity—this breakdown covers what’s changed, what’s improved, and what it means for the upcoming iOS 26 release.
Translucency Returns: iOS 26 Liquid Glass Gets a Boost
The most notable update in iOS 26 Beta 4 is the enhanced translucency across various system apps. In Beta 3, Apple reduced the clarity of the Liquid Glass design, resulting in a flatter, more opaque interface that users found underwhelming. Beta 4 reverses that by making navigation bars in apps like Photos, Music, Podcasts, and the App Store noticeably clearer. Now, background content subtly bleeds through the top layers again, making the UI feel more dynamic without sacrificing readability. This fine-tuning strikes a better balance between functionality and aesthetic appeal—an essential consideration in Apple’s UI philosophy.
Even though the changes might seem subtle at first glance, side-by-side comparisons reveal a more polished finish. While the frosted glass look has been toned down slightly compared to Beta 2, Apple appears to be optimizing for both visual depth and text legibility. The result is a more consistent and polished system-wide experience that reflects Apple’s responsiveness to user feedback during the beta testing cycle.
Where Liquid Glass Shines in iOS 26 Beta 4
Not every part of iOS 26 has been affected by the Liquid Glass adjustments. The Control Center, Home Screen, and much of the Lock Screen remain largely unchanged. However, some Lock Screen refinements are worth noting: scrolling through notifications now causes the background to darken gradually, a move that enhances focus and reduces visual clutter. It’s a subtle effect that feels intuitive and ties in well with the Liquid Glass aesthetic, which relies on layered, translucent visuals to guide the user’s attention.
App interfaces are where the changes are most visible. The App Store, for instance, now features more translucent top bars that subtly shift depending on the background color. The Music app offers a clearer backdrop, giving album art and track lists a crisper presence. These are not drastic overhauls, but rather calibrated changes meant to reinforce iOS 26's design language—where clarity, fluidity, and depth are central pillars.
Looking Ahead: Will Liquid Glass Stay This Way in iOS 26?
Apple’s design updates in iOS 26 Beta 4 are part of an ongoing iteration process driven largely by developer and user feedback. While the current tweaks are welcome improvements over the previous beta, the final version of iOS 26 Liquid Glass may still undergo more refinement before its official fall release. This iterative approach reflects Apple’s growing reliance on public beta engagement, allowing the company to strike a better balance between innovation and usability.
Whether you're a designer, developer, or everyday user, these changes matter. They impact how we interact with content, how readable our screens are in different lighting conditions, and how pleasant the overall experience feels. By focusing on refining the Liquid Glass aesthetic, Apple is staying true to its core design values—while also showing a willingness to listen and adapt. As we approach the official launch of iOS 26, expect even more polish and subtle UI adjustments that continue to put user experience front and center.
The evolution of iOS 26 Liquid Glass reflects Apple’s commitment to crafting a visually stunning yet highly usable interface. Beta 4 shows that Apple is listening—responding to concerns about opacity, clarity, and readability with thoughtful, incremental updates. While the full vision of iOS 26 won’t be realized until its public release, Beta 4 gives us a clear glimpse into what’s coming: a refined, immersive interface that blends functionality with beauty. Keep an eye on upcoming betas for further enhancements, but for now, Liquid Glass in iOS 26 is on the right track.
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