iOS 26 Beta 4 & Public Beta: New Dynamic Wallpaper + When You Can Try It

Apple’s iOS 26 Beta 4 just dropped, bringing a refreshed Liquid Glass interface and an exciting new Dynamic wallpaper feature. Plus, the iOS 26 public beta should roll out this week around July 23, 2025 giving everyone a chance to preview it ahead of the full release this fall. Let’s break it down.

iOS 26 Beta 4 Highlights

Dynamic Wallpaper
- Beta 4 now includes a ‘Dynamic’ wallpaper option that cycles through the four new default wallpapers Dusk, Halo, Shadow, Sky automatically throughout the day . This builds on the wallpaper customization introduced in Beta 3.
Liquid Glass Improvements & Notification Tinting
- The Liquid Glass UI has regained some of its earlier translucency, with smoother visual feedback. Notification Center now features dynamic tinting that darkens the background as you scroll great for readability .
Performance & Bug Fixes
- Beta 4 boosts system stability, optimizes Safari, Photos, Camera apps, and reduces crashes continuing Apple’s effort to polish iOS before its public release.

iOS 26 Public Beta Release Date & Features

Release Timing
- Widespread reports from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and outlets like TechRadar, MacRumors, Forbes, and IndiaTimes confirm the public beta arrives week of July 21, most likely on July 23 or 24, 2025 
What’s New in Public Beta
- It brings developer features like Liquid Glass UI, the new Dynamic wallpaper option, AI-powered tools like Apple Intelligence, Live Translation, call‑screening, new Games app, customized chat backgrounds, in‑chat polls, and CarPlay enhancements 
Device Compatibility
- Works on iPhone 11 and newer. Apple Intelligence features require iPhone 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max, or iPhone 16 models. Not supported on older A12-based iPhones like XS, XR.

How to Install

Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program via settings or Apple’s beta site 
Backup your iPhone (iCloud or computer) to avoid data loss.
Install Beta 4 as a developer or wait for public beta via Settings → Software Update.
Restart and explore features like Dynamic wallpaper, Liquid Glass, and AI tools.

Why It Matters for U.S. Users

Fresh look with convenience: A sleek new paint job and smart UI tweaks that feel modern yet familiar.
Smarter every day: AI features like notifications summaries , real-time translation, call screening, in-chat polls, and AI‑powered suggestions.
Future proofing: Early access to what’s launching with the iPhone 17 this September and deeper insights into Apple’s AI direction.

Final Thoughts

Apple’s iOS 26 is shaping up to be one of the most polished updates in years. With features like Dynamic wallpapers, a refined Liquid Glass interface, and powerful AI tools, even early beta builds feel modern and useful. Whether you’re a casual iPhone user or a developer eager to test what’s next, the iOS 26 public beta offers a solid preview of what’s coming this fall especially for those planning to upgrade to iPhone 17. Just be sure to back up your device before installing.