Apple’s iOS 26.1 beta 4 introduces a suite of refinements aimed at enhancing user experience and customization. This update brings notable features such as the Liquid Glass toggle, Lock Screen Camera Swipe control, expanded language support for Apple Intelligence and AirPods Live Translation, and a rebranding of Apple TV+.
Liquid Glass Toggle:
A significant addition in iOS 26.1 beta 4 is the Liquid Glass toggle, allowing users to select between a clear or tinted interface. The tinted option adjusts the opacity behind elements like notifications and tab bars, offering a more subdued visual experience. This setting is accessible via Settings > Display & Brightness > Liquid Glass on both iPhone and iPad. Mac users can find this option under Settings > Appearance > Liquid Glass, though the visual differences on macOS are less pronounced. This feature complements existing accessibility settings such as increased contrast and reduced transparency.
Lock Screen Camera Swipe Control:
For the first time in several years, iOS 26.1 beta 4 provides an option to disable the swipe gesture that opens the Camera from the Lock Screen. This control is located in Settings > Camera > Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. Initially, this shortcut was a swipe-up gesture, later evolving into a swipe-from-the-right action in iOS 10. With the introduction of the iPhone X, default Lock Screen shortcuts for Flashlight and Camera were added. Newer iPhone models also feature a Camera Control button and, previously, an Action button, offering multiple ways to access the Camera. The ability to disable the swipe gesture helps prevent accidental Camera activations.
Apple Intelligence Language Expansion:
iOS 26.1 beta 4 broadens Apple Intelligence’s language capabilities, now supporting Chinese (Traditional), Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, and Vietnamese. This expansion enhances the accessibility and usability of Apple’s AI features for a more diverse user base.
AirPods Live Translation Enhancements:
The Live Translation feature for AirPods has been updated to include support for Chinese (Mandarin Simplified and Traditional), Italian, Japanese, and Korean. Initially launched with iOS 26 on AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and AirPods 4, this feature previously supported US and UK English, French, German, Portuguese (Brazil), and Spanish (Spain). The addition of new languages makes real-time translation more versatile and beneficial for users worldwide.
Apple TV+ Rebranding:
Apple has rebranded its streaming service from Apple TV+ to simply Apple TV, accompanied by a vibrant new identity. This rebranding includes a new icon for the Apple TV app, reflecting the company’s commitment to evolving its services and enhancing user engagement.
Additional Features and Improvements:
– Local Capture Settings: A new Local Capture section under Settings > General allows users to specify where Local Capture files are saved and offers an option to include audio-only recordings.
– Alarm Dismissal Interface: The update introduces a Slide to Unlock interface for dismissing alarms, streamlining the process and improving user interaction.
– Music App Gesture: A new swipe gesture in the Music app enables users to change songs more intuitively, enhancing the overall music listening experience.
These enhancements in iOS 26.1 beta 4 demonstrate Apple’s ongoing dedication to refining its operating system, providing users with greater control, accessibility, and a more personalized experience.
