Apple’s iOS 26 beta 4 marks a major turning point in its UI journey, especially with the return of a refined Liquid Glass interface. First unveiled at WWDC 2025, the Liquid Glass design aimed to give iPhones a futuristic aesthetic with translucent, glass-like elements. However, poor readability and usability complaints quickly emerged after the first few beta versions.
Now, with beta 4, Apple seems to have found a middle ground—introducing darker reflections and improved contrast that makes the UI not just visually appealing, but also more readable. App icons, menus, and system interfaces now reflect a toned and more practical version of the original concept.
A UI Shake-Up Not Seen Since iOS 7
The scale of this visual overhaul has invited comparisons with iOS 7’s flat design revolution back in 2013. Much like that update, Liquid Glass is polarizing. While some users applaud the fresh and premium look, others mock the drastic shift in visual identity. The beta forums and social platforms are divided—some praising the elegance, others questioning its necessity.
More Than Just Visual Changes
Beyond design, iOS 26 beta 4 also introduces several feature enhancements:
- Notification Summaries now offer better categorization and clarity.
- The Camera app gets a cleaner layout and a new splash screen detailing changes.
- Call Screening receives expanded options for managing unknown or spam calls.
These additions show Apple isn’t just focused on looks—it’s also fine-tuning user control and experience.
Should You Be Excited or Cautious?
While the Liquid Glass UI now reflects Apple’s original vision more closely, its long-term appeal remains uncertain. Users awaiting stability and real-world performance may want to hold off until the official iOS 26 release, expected later this year.
As Apple boldly ventures into the next decade of mobile UI, iOS 26 beta 4 may either be seen as a masterstroke in modern design—or a cautionary tale in aesthetics vs. usability. Only time (and user feedback) will tell.
