Apple just released iOS 26 beta 4, bringing some of these new features and changes to the table. As a result, the tech behemoth was forced to stop its AI-generated notification summaries. This unprecedented ruling came on the heels of BBC complaints regarding a significant inaccuracy concerning a key headline.
As the BBC reported, an AI-generated synopsis falsely stated that Luigi Mangione had taken his own life. This led Apple to pause the feature altogether while it reassesses the ramifications of employing generative AI to summarize news articles.
The release of iOS 26 beta 4 introduces a new “Welcome” splash screen, improving user experience right from the get-go. The system provides tutorial screens for each feature. These features, including Siri, AI-generated notification summaries and prioritization options, are designed to walk users through learning the new features.
Apart from these UI tweaks, the new beta version completely redesigns the Camera app, giving users a better pixel interface. The update aims to create a more visually comfortable experience when viewing notifications, reversing some of the transparency adjustments made in beta 3. These innovations mark another step in Apple’s ongoing mission to simplify the way we interact with our devices.
Apple has not yet posted the release notes for beta 4 on its Developer website. Developers and other enthusiasts have been chomping at the bit for the last week to get more detailed information about all the improvements.
Apple surprised developers this morning by launching iOS 26 beta 4 alongside watchOS 6.2.1, tvOS 13.4, and macOS 10.15.4. This includes iPadOS 26 beta 4, macOS 26 beta 4, watchOS 26 beta 4, tvOS 26 beta 4, visionOS 26 beta 4, and Xcode 26 beta 4. The iOS 26 public beta will be released later this week. This will provide even more users the opportunity to help test cutting-edge features!
In all honesty, Apple was right to recognize the drawbacks of AI in the distribution of news.
“Summarization may change the meaning of the original headlines.” – Apple
