Apple has released the fourth developer beta of iOS 26.1, introducing significant enhancements that offer users greater control over the operating system’s interface and functionality. This update includes a new transparency setting for the Liquid Glass design and an option to disable the Lock Screen’s camera swipe gesture.
Liquid Glass Transparency Control
The Liquid Glass design, a hallmark of iOS 26, has been both praised and critiqued for its glass-like aesthetic. In response to user feedback, Apple has added a transparency control feature in iOS 26.1 beta 4. Users can access this setting by navigating to Settings > Display & Brightness on iPhone and iPad, or Appearance in the System Settings app on Mac. The new Liquid Glass option offers two presets:
– Clear: Provides a more transparent look, revealing underlying content.
– Tinted: Increases opacity and adds contrast for a more solid appearance.
This customization affects various system elements, including the Control Center, Notification Center, and Dock, allowing users to tailor the interface to their preferences.
Camera Swipe Gesture Toggle
To prevent accidental activation of the Camera app from the Lock Screen, iOS 26.1 beta 4 introduces a toggle to disable the left-swipe gesture. Users can find this option under Settings > Camera, labeled Lock Screen Swipe to Open Camera. When disabled, the swipe gesture will no longer launch the Camera app, though other methods, such as the Camera button on the Lock Screen, Control Center access, and the Action button on compatible iPhone models, remain functional.
Additional Enhancements
Beyond these primary features, the update includes references to an updated hardware accessory, the Apple Vision Pro Developer Strap, suggesting an imminent upgrade. The Developer Strap, priced at $300, enables users to connect their headset to a Mac via USB-C. Apple’s website indicates that the new version will be available for order on October 22.
These updates reflect Apple’s ongoing commitment to refining user experience and responsiveness to user feedback. As iOS 26.1 continues its development, users can anticipate further enhancements and new features in subsequent beta releases.
