iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 4 now available
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iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 4 now available
Apple has released the fourth iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public betas. The third public beta release follows the seventh developer beta release of the pre-release software. Apple is expected to release the final versions of the iOS 26.0 and iPad OS26.0 in September.
iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 4
For iPhone and iPad users on the public beta train, simply go to the Settings app > General section > Software Update to look for the over-the-air updates to iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta 4.
The third public beta release follows the seventh developer beta release of the pre-release software. Apple is expected to release the final versions of the iOS 26.0 and iPadOS 26.0 in September. We’ll likely see iOS 26.0.1 and maybe even an iOS 26.1 developer beta around the same time next month.
iOS 26 public beta 4 should echo or resemble what we see in iOS 26 developer beta 7. See what’s new here.
Curious about trying iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 public beta on your iPhone and iPad? You can go to beta.apple.com to sign up today. It’s free to sign up, and joining the public beta should automatically put the option to update in the Software Update section of the Settings app on your device.
In-depth public beta previews
For a recap of 9to5Mac’s public beta previews, check out these stories:
iOS 26 Beta 7 Download Available for iPhone & iPad (Public Beta 4 Also)
Apple has released iOS 26 beta 7 for iPhone, along with iPadOS 26beta 7 for iPad. Apple simultaneously released the same builds as public beta versions, labeled as iOS 26 public beta 4. Apple typically goes through multiple beta builds before finalizing the system software and releasing it to the general public. New betas have also been released for MacOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26 and visionOS 26. Apple has said that iOS 26 and iPad OS 26 will be released this fall. Usually Apple launches the final version of a new iOS release with a new iPhone release.
Separately, new betas have also been released for MacOS Tahoe 26 beta 7 (and public beta 4), tvOS 26 beta 7, watchOS 26 beta 7, and visionOS 26 beta 7, along with their accompanying 4th public beta builds.
As the betas continue to refine, more users may be interested in installing iOS 26 beta on iPhone or iPadOS 26 beta onto iPad, just keep in mind it is still a beta experience and there will be bugs, performance issues, and app incompatibilities.
iOS 26 includes the new Liquid Glass interface appearance which is shinier and more translucent than before, plus there’s a revamped lock screen design, new wallpaper options, custom backgrounds in Messages app, polling in group chat Messages, CarPlay improvements, Phone app enhancements, inclusion of Preview app, new ringtones, Apple Intelligence improvements, and new multitasking and windowing options for iPad.
How to Download & Install iOS 26 Beta 7 or iPadOS 26 Beta 7
Be sure to backup iPhone/iPad to iCloud as well as your local computer before installing any beta update:
Open “Settings” app on iPhone or iPad Go to “General” and then select “Software Update” Select to “Download & Install” for iOS 26 beta 7 / iPadOS 26 beta 7
Finishing the installation of the update requires the device to reboot, as usual.
The Liquid Glass appearance is by far the biggest change coming to the iOS/iPadOS 26 operating system, and that interface continues to be refined with each new beta build.
If you are running beta system software on other Apple devices, don’t miss out on beta 7 (or public beta 4) of macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, tvOS 26, and visionOS 26 as well.
Apple typically goes through multiple beta builds before finalizing the system software and releasing it to the general public. Apple has said that iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will be released this fall. Usually Apple launches the final version of a new iOS release with a new iPhone release, which typically arrives sometime in September, giving a loose timeframe of when to expect both the new upcoming iPhone, as well as the final versions of these system software releases.
iOS 26 Beta 7 Download and More Released for Developers
Apple has released iOS 26 beta versions for developers to test. The software is expected to be released in September. There is no word yet on what new features will be added to the software. The full list of beta versions can be downloaded from Apple’s website.
Here’s what’s available to download right now:
iOS 26 beta 7 (23A5326a)
iPadOS 26 beta 7 (23A5326a)
macOS 26 beta 7 (25A5346a)
tvOS 26 beta 7 (23J5346a)
visionOS 26 beta 7 (23M5328a)
watchOS 26 beta 7 (23R5346a)
No word on what’s exactly new, but we can expect more feature tweaks, bug fixes and design updates. Stay tuned for more. Equivalent Public Beta versions will likely come today or tomorrow as well.
Last year’s iOS 18 hit eight beta versions before reaching the Release Candidate stage, signalling an imminent release. We’re close to that if Apple sticks to its schedule.
Apple is now releasing beta updates about a week apart, as we head into the final release coming in September with new iPhones.
Source: https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/18/ios-26-public-beta-4/