Beta 4 of iOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, iPadOS 26.1 Available for Testing
Apple has issued the fourth beta of iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1, for users enrolled in the beta testing programs for Apple system software. The betas continue to offer refinements, adjustments, improvements, and bug fixes to the various OS 26 operating systems.
The latest 4th beta build includes a new Liquid Glass settings toggle to switch between “Clear” and “Tinted”, with the “Clear” version representing the transparency heavy Liquid Glass default look, while the new “Tinted” choice has less transparency and a bit more contrast. The settings toggle is available in Settings > Display and is available on iOS 26.1, iPadOS 26.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.1 in the fourth beta, and presumably onward. This settings toggle is different and separate from the “Reduce Transparency” Accessibility setting that many users have relied on to reduce Liquid Glass on iOS 26 or macOS Tahoe 26. Separately, iPadOS 26.1 beta also includes a Slide Over toggle to re-enable that multitasking feature, and in iOS 26.1 beta the iPhone alarm clock has a Slide to Stop feature for stopping alarms, and a new toggle to disable the lock screen swipe camera access gesture.
With the current pace of weekly releases of beta updates, it’s possible that iOS 26.1, macOS Tahoe 26.1, and iPadOS 26.1, could debut to all users in the coming weeks.
How to Download iOS 26.1 Beta 4 / iPadOS 26.1 Beta 4
For any iPhone or iPad enrolled as beta testing devices:
- Open the “Settings” app on your device
- Go to “General” and then go to “Software Update”
- Choose to “Download & Install for iOS 26.1 beta 4 / iPadOS 26.1 beta 4
How to Download MacOS Tahoe 26.1 Beta 4
For any Mac actively enrolled as a beta testing device:
- From the  Apple menu go to “System Settings”
- Select “General” and then select “Software Update”
- Choose to ‘Update Now’ for MacOS Tahoe 26.1 beta 4
Apple usually goes through several beta builds before issuing a final release to the general public, so keeping an eye on beta releases can offer some insight into when new system software versions are going to arrive to everyone.
The newest stable builds of OS 26 system software are currently iOS 26.0.1, iPadOS 26.0.1, and macOS Tahoe 26.0.1.
