Apple has released the fourth pre-release versions of its upcoming operating systems, including macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, and iPadOS 26.1 Beta 4. These new operating systems are expected to be officially rolled out by the end of this year and include features such as improved display experiences, enhanced background security, and a modified "Slide Over" feature on iPadOS. The beta phase has been ongoing for four weeks, with Apple seeking extensive feedback from users to identify any bugs or areas that need improvement. 

macOS Tahoe 26.1, iOS 26.1, and iPadOS 26.1 Beta 4 released

Apple has recently released the fourth pre-release versions of its upcoming operating systems, including macOS Tahoe 26.1 and iOS 26.1. Apple expects to officially roll out these versions by the end of this year, which is an important step in their development process.

The beta phase for these new operating systems has been ongoing for four weeks now, with Apple transitioning into a rapid release cycle after the third pre-release version was made available. The current fourth pre-release version can be downloaded immediately, and Apple is seeking extensive feedback from users to help identify any bugs or areas that need improvement.

Among the notable features of these new operating systems are improvements related to Liquid Glass, a more consistent display experience, and enhanced "Background Security Improvements" which build upon the capabilities of the previous "Rapid Security Updates." Furthermore, Apple has made progress in its efforts to streamline the pairing process for third-party smartwatches.

One of the most significant updates is the return of the "Slide Over" feature under iPadOS, albeit in a slightly modified form. Additionally, the hard drive icon has been redesigned; however, it appears that the issue with perspective display remains unresolved at this time. Apple has also announced plans to integrate more advanced AI solutions from third-party providers, with ChatGPT being one of the applications currently supported.

One intriguing feature worth noting is the option to significantly reduce the Liquid Glass effects, which users can try out in the current pre-release versions. A detailed explanation of how to use this feature will be provided in a separate post tomorrow.

Developers can now access the latest pre-release versions of Apple's operating systems, listed in the developer area. The version numbers are denoted by a letter that approaches "a," hinting at the fact that these releases are almost complete.

Here is some more information about each of these new operating system releases:

macOS 26.1 Beta 4 has been released with a build number of 25B5072a, and it was made available on October 20, 2025. The iOS 26.1 Beta 4 release also carries the same build date, but it has a slightly different build number: 23B5073a. Similarly, iPadOS 26.1 Beta 4 shares the same build date and number as iOS 26.1 Beta 4.

Other operating systems that have been released in their fourth pre-release versions include watchOS 26.1 Beta 4 (with a build number of 23S5031a), tvOS 26.1 Beta 4 (build number: 23J5571a), and visionOS 26.1 Beta 4 (build number: 23N5042a).

For more information, visit the Apple Developer Connection website.