Apple just released watchOS 26 Developer Beta 4, bringing us one step closer to the new Liquid Glass look that’s coming to Apple Watch soon. If you’re not a developer, hang tight; the public beta should be out in the next few days.
This latest beta is just over 1GB and comes with the usual bug fixes, plus a few small changes that make the design feel smoother and more polished.
So, what exactly is Liquid Glass?
It’s Apple’s new design style. Think shiny surfaces, see-through layers, and smooth animations. It already shows up in places like the lock screen, Control Center, and how watch faces react when you tap or swipe.
What’s new in Beta 4?
This update isn’t packed with major changes, but there are a few nice improvements. The lock screen has a more natural-looking shine, and the transparent parts of the interface now react better to light.
In Control Center, you can now rearrange tiles more easily. There’s also a new Notes shortcut that lets you start voice dictation from your wrist, which is super handy.
The Workouts app has also been updated. Scrolling between workout types feels smoother, and the Workout Buddy now has a third voice option along with better audio feedback. It even offers AI-generated playlists and motivational messages during your run or ride.
Watch face options are a little more organized, too. Apple has added collections to help you browse faces more easily. Some older ones, like the Toy Story face, have quietly disappeared, though.
When can you try it?
Apple said the public beta would come in July, so it’s likely dropping this Friday or early next week. That means regular users should be able to try the new design very soon.
The final version of watchOS 26 is expected to arrive in September, right before Apple launches the next Apple Watch models. That usually happens just a few days before the new devices hit stores.
Is your watch supported?
Here’s the list of Apple Watch models that will get the update:
- Apple Watch Series 6 and newer
- Apple Watch SE (2nd gen) and newer
- Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2
Unfortunately, that means Series 4, Series 5, and the first-gen SE won’t be supported anymore.
Should you install the public beta?
It’s definitely tempting, especially if you’re excited to see the new look. But keep in mind, beta software can be a bit buggy, and you can’t easily switch back to the current version if something goes wrong. If you don’t mind dealing with a few hiccups, go for it. Otherwise, it’s probably best to wait for the full release in September.
Either way, watchOS 26 is shaping up to be a big refresh for Apple Watch, and it’s not far off now.
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