iOS 27 Beta: Everything You Need to Know About Beta 4

Apple has released iOS 27 beta 4 for registered developers, continuing its testing cycle before the final update arrives later in 2026. The latest build focuses on interface refinements, Siri changes, AirPods controls, system indexing, accessibility features, and several fixes to Liquid Glass elements.



iOS 27 beta 4 carries build number 24A5390f and arrived on July 20, 2026, alongside new beta versions of iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27, tvOS 27, and visionOS 27.



The update follows the first iOS 27 public beta, which became available on July 13. Developer beta 4 is newer than the current public beta, although Apple often releases an updated public build after completing additional testing.



iOS 27 Beta 4 at a Glance



DetailInformationSoftware versioniOS 27 developer beta 4Build number24A5390fRelease dateJuly 20, 2026AvailabilityRegistered developersPublic betaAvailable, but currently on an earlier buildFinal releaseExpected later in 2026Main focusSiri, Liquid Glass, AirPods controls, accessibility, interface fixes



What Is New in iOS 27 Beta 4?



New Siri Splash Screen







Siri receives a refreshed splash screen in beta 4, giving Apple’s redesigned assistant a clearer visual introduction when users open it for the first time.



The interface follows the wider Siri AI design used throughout iOS 27, with brighter visual effects, updated text placement, and stronger links to Apple Intelligence features. Apple says Siri AI will initially launch in English on supported Apple Intelligence devices later this year.



Beta 4 also updates parts of the Siri voice-selection interface. Regional accents and voice choices now appear in a more visual layout, while supported devices display additional personalisation options.



Dark Widgets Have Better Contrast







Apple has adjusted dark widgets to make text, icons, and controls easier to see. Earlier iOS 27 builds sometimes placed dark text or low-contrast elements over transparent widget backgrounds, especially when users selected tinted or dark Home Screen styles.



Beta 4 increases contrast without removing the layered Liquid Glass appearance. The change improves readability on bright wallpapers and on displays with reduced brightness.



One-Tap Paste Gets a Visual Refresh







The One-Tap Paste interface now has an updated appearance when users paste photos or links. The preview card follows the rounded Liquid Glass design more closely and provides a clearer indication of the content that will be inserted.



This change affects situations where an app requests access to copied content, including images, website links, and other supported clipboard data.



Notification Center Wallpaper Cutout Removed



Apple has removed the wallpaper cutout effect that appeared when users swiped down to open Notification Center.



In beta 3, the main subject of certain wallpapers remained visually separated from the background during the swipe animation. Beta 4 returns to a more traditional transition, which reduces visual movement and avoids occasional clipping around people, pets, and objects.



The smoother wallpaper animation introduced earlier remains available, although the floating cutout effect no longer appears.



Lock Screen Shortcut Appearance Restored







Beta 4 reverses an earlier reduction in the Liquid Glass appearance of Lock Screen shortcuts while Light Mode is active.



The flashlight and camera buttons once again use a stronger transparent glass effect, with brighter highlights and more visible depth. Apple continues to adjust these controls because readability changes significantly depending on the wallpaper colour and display mode.



Blur Returns to App Library and Today View



Background blur has returned to the App Library and Today View after being reduced or removed in earlier beta builds.



The restored blur separates icons and widgets from the wallpaper while preserving some background colour. This makes app names, folders, search controls, and widget text easier to read without replacing the transparent design with a fully solid background.



Volume Slider Is More Transparent



The system volume slider now uses a more transparent Liquid Glass design. Users can see more of the underlying content while adjusting media volume through Control Center.



Apple has also refined the slider edges, fill animation, and background layer so the control matches other iOS 27 interface elements.



AirPods Controls Get Liquid Glass Sliders







AirPods controls in Control Center now use redesigned Liquid Glass sliders. The controls appear when compatible AirPods are connected and provide access to supported audio modes and settings.



The layout uses clearer labels, transparent slider tracks, and larger touch areas, making the controls easier to adjust without opening the Settings app.



Adaptive Audio Slider Comes to Control Center



AirPods users can now access the Adaptive Audio slider directly from Control Center. This setting lets users adjust how strongly Adaptive Audio balances environmental sound with active noise control.



The slider provides more control than a simple on-or-off switch, allowing users to choose how much outside sound they want to hear. Available options still depend on the connected AirPods model and installed firmware.



Apple also plans to bring Custom EQ controls to supported AirPods, allowing users to adjust low, mid, and high frequencies.



System Indexing Returns



System indexing has returned in beta 4 after being limited or unavailable for some users in earlier builds.



After installation, an iPhone can temporarily use more battery power and become warmer while it rebuilds search indexes for apps, messages, photos, files, and other content. Search results and Siri suggestions can remain incomplete until this process finishes.



Users should leave the iPhone connected to power and Wi-Fi for several hours after updating, especially when the device contains a large photo library or many installed apps.



Wheelchair Control Renamed to Look to Drive



Apple has renamed the upcoming Wheelchair Control accessibility feature to “Look to Drive.”



The feature uses eye movement and supported hardware to help users control compatible powered wheelchairs. The new name describes the interaction more clearly and separates it from other wheelchair-related accessibility settings.



Because the feature remains under development, its name, supported devices, and availability can change before the public release.



Other Changes Found in Beta 4



The latest beta also includes several smaller additions and adjustments:




Photos includes an option that slightly enlarges near-full-screen images so they fill the display.



Siri settings provide more control over text-preview length.



An accessibility option can keep spoken Siri requests visible as text.



Camera settings include support for selecting ProRes Log 2 on compatible models.



Wi-Fi Assist can be managed more precisely for saved networks.



Automatic Apple TV downloads can save upcoming episodes and remove watched downloads.



Internal files continue to reveal unfinished features across Apple’s operating systems.




An internal README file also appeared inside the tvOS 27 beta 4 Podcasts app package. This appears to be a development file that Apple accidentally included and does not provide a user-facing feature.



iOS 27 Supported iPhones



iOS 27 supports the following iPhone families:



iPhone generationSupported modelsiPhone 17iPhone 17, 17e, Air, 17 Pro, 17 Pro MaxiPhone 16iPhone 16, 16 Plus, 16e, 16 Pro, 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro MaxiPhone SESecond generation and later



Apple confirms that iOS 27 supports the iPhone 11 series and newer models, along with the second-generation iPhone SE and later.



Some Siri AI and Apple Intelligence features require newer hardware. Apple Intelligence support includes the iPhone 15 Pro models, every iPhone 16 model, and later supported devices.



How to Install iOS 27 Beta 4



Registered developers can install the update through the Settings app:




Back up the iPhone using iCloud or a computer.



Open Settings.



Select General.



Tap Software Update.



Open Beta Updates.



Select iOS 27 Developer Beta.



Return to the update screen.



Tap Update Now.




The Apple Account signed in on the iPhone must have access to the developer beta channel.



Public beta users should remain on the iOS 27 Public Beta option unless they specifically need developer builds for testing. Developer releases can contain unfinished features, app compatibility problems, faster battery drain, unexpected restarts, and broken system functions.



Should You Install iOS 27 Beta 4?



Beta 4 brings useful visual corrections and restores several effects that Apple changed during earlier testing. Siri, widgets, Notification Center, App Library, AirPods controls, and system search all receive noticeable attention.



However, this remains pre-release software. Users who depend on their iPhone for banking, work authentication, travel, health devices, or other important tasks should wait for a later public beta or the final release.



Users already running an iOS 27 developer beta should install beta 4 because it includes the latest system fixes and testing changes. After updating, allow time for indexing to complete before judging battery life, heat, search performance, or overall stability.