
Apple Re-Released iOS 26 Beta 4: Here's What Changed!
Watch this video on YouTube. Key Updates and Fixes
The re-release of iOS 26 Beta 4 addresses several issues identified in earlier beta versions, aiming to enhance system stability and usability. Below are the key fixes included in this update: Performance Optimization: System lag has been significantly reduced, making sure smoother navigation across apps, menus, and multitasking environments.
System lag has been significantly reduced, making sure smoother navigation across apps, menus, and multitasking environments. Mail App Fixes: Persistent display issues, such as the unread filter visibility, have been resolved, improving functionality for users who rely on email for daily communication.
Persistent display issues, such as the unread filter visibility, have been resolved, improving functionality for users who rely on email for daily communication. Battery Life Improvements: Incremental enhancements have been made to battery performance, though further optimization is expected in future updates.
These fixes are particularly beneficial for users who rely on the beta for daily tasks, providing a more seamless and reliable experience. Developers and testers can now explore the platform with fewer interruptions caused by system instability. New Features to Explore
While the primary focus of this release is on stability and performance, iOS 26 Beta 4 introduces subtle yet impactful features designed to enhance user customization and interactivity. These additions reflect Apple's attention to detail and its efforts to refine the user experience: Dynamic Wallpapers: A selection of new customizable wallpapers has been introduced, offering visually appealing options for both iOS devices and CarPlay interfaces.
A selection of new customizable wallpapers has been introduced, offering visually appealing options for both iOS devices and CarPlay interfaces. Safari Haptic Feedback: Downloading files in Safari now triggers haptic feedback, providing a tactile response that enhances user interaction and awareness.
Downloading files in Safari now triggers haptic feedback, providing a tactile response that enhances user interaction and awareness. Podcast Playback Enhancements: Users can now enjoy adjustable playback speeds and improved dialogue clarity, catering to diverse listening preferences and making podcasts more accessible.
These features, though subtle, demonstrate Apple's commitment to refining the overall user experience, even in the early stages of software development. Performance Enhancements
Benchmark tests conducted on iOS 26 Beta 4 reveal noticeable improvements in system performance. These enhancements are particularly evident in the following areas: CPU Performance: Faster app launches and smoother multitasking have been observed, making the system more responsive for everyday use.
Faster app launches and smoother multitasking have been observed, making the system more responsive for everyday use. Battery Optimization: While not yet at its peak, battery life has been improved compared to earlier beta versions, offering extended usage for resource-intensive applications.
These performance gains are especially valuable for users running the beta on older devices or those testing resource-heavy applications. The improvements ensure a more efficient and enjoyable experience, even during the beta phase. Release Cycle and Recommendations
Apple's beta release cycle appears to be accelerating, with updates now expected on a weekly basis. Beta 5 is anticipated in the coming days, and the final version of iOS 26 is projected to launch in mid-September, coinciding with the release of the iPhone 17. This timeline provides a clear roadmap for developers and public beta testers eager to stay informed and prepared.
If you are considering testing the beta, here are some recommendations to guide your decision: For Developers: Staying on the beta track is ideal for those seeking early access to new features, tools, and APIs that can enhance app development and testing.
Staying on the beta track is ideal for those seeking early access to new features, tools, and APIs that can enhance app development and testing. For Public Beta Users: If stability is your priority, this re-release offers a more reliable platform for daily use while still allowing you to explore new features.
If stability is your priority, this re-release offers a more reliable platform for daily use while still allowing you to explore new features. If Issues Arise: Downgrade options remain available, allowing users to revert to a stable iOS version if the beta does not meet their needs.
By following these recommendations, users can make informed decisions about whether to participate in the beta program and how to navigate potential challenges. Looking Ahead
The iOS 26 Beta 4 Re-Release represents a significant step forward in Apple's iterative development process. By addressing critical bugs, introducing subtle yet meaningful features, and improving overall performance, this update enhances the experience for both developers and public beta testers. With the final release of iOS 26 on the horizon, Apple continues to refine its software ecosystem, setting the stage for the highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 17. This re-release underscores Apple's dedication to delivering a polished and reliable platform, even during the beta testing phase.
Enhance your knowledge on iOS 26 Beta by exploring a selection of articles and guides on the subject.
Source & Image Credit: zollotech Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News
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Reuters
24 minutes ago
- Reuters
Exclusive: Intel struggles with key manufacturing process for next PC chip, sources say
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug 5 (Reuters) - The production process that Intel (INTC.O), opens new tab hoped would pave the way to winning manufacturing deals and restore its edge in churning out high-end, high-margin chips is facing a big hurdle on quality as it puts newer technologies to the test, two people briefed on the matter told Reuters. For months, Intel has promised investors it would increase manufacturing using a process it calls 18A. It spent billions of dollars developing 18A, including the construction or upgrades of several factories, with the goal of challenging Taiwan's chipmaking heavyweight, TSMC ( opens new tab. Intel wants to round out its business designing chips that it largely makes in-house and TSMC helps it produce, with a contract manufacturing business that can compete with this key supplier. But whether Intel revives advanced chip production in the U.S. and gets its contract foundry on solid footing depends on closing the technology gap with TSMC. 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Yield may inch up or down as a foundry optimizes its manufacturing process. Companies also calculate yield in a variety of ways, which can make this critical data a moving goal post, the two people and two additional sources with knowledge of Intel's manufacturing operation said. Yields generally "start off low and improve over time," Intel's Chief Financial Officer David Zinsner told Reuters in a July 24 interview. For Panther Lake, "it's early in the ramp," he said. In a statement on July 30, Intel added: "Our performance and yield trajectory gives us confidence this will be a successful launch that further strengthens Intel's position in the notebook market." Intel in the past has aimed for a yield north of 50% before ramping production because starting any earlier risked damaging its profit margin, three of the sources said. Intel typically does not make the lion's share of its profit until yields reach roughly 70% to 80%, key for a chip as small as Panther Lake where many defects would make it a tough sell, the three people said. Profit also flows from market expansions and building up factory output, Intel said. An immense yield increase would be a tall task by Panther Lake's fourth-quarter launch, the two people with knowledge of Intel's manufacturing operation said. But without such a jump, Intel may have to sell some chips at a lower profit margin or at a loss, the two sources briefed on test data said. Panther Lake is "fully on track," Intel said in its July 30 comment. Intel did not specify the yield threshold at which its chips become profitable. The company has warned it could exit leading-edge manufacturing entirely if it does not land external business for 14A, which is 18A's next-generation successor. Intel's 18A process involved big manufacturing changes and introduced newer technologies all at once, such as a next-generation transistor design and a feature that would improve the delivery of energy to a chip. This created manufacturing risks due to the complexity of fabricating chips, three of the sources said. Intel took on this challenge to close the performance gap with TSMC, but its aggressive timeline for a rollout of unproven systems set it up for failure, said the two people briefed on the company's test data. One likened the effort to a "Hail Mary" football pass. In April, Intel said it had begun a crucial step toward printing Panther Lake chips via 18A known as "risk production." The company also showed off several laptops it said used Panther Lake chips at the Taiwan Computex expo in May. But problems have persisted. One way chip manufacturers gauge progress is to measure the number of defects per area of a chip, which can vary based on a semiconductor's design. Relative to industry standards, the Panther Lake chips had about three times too many defects for Intel to start high-volume production, the two sources briefed on test data said. As of late last year, only around 5% of the Panther Lake chips that Intel printed were up to its specifications, these sources said. This yield figure rose to around 10% by this summer, said one of the sources, who cautioned that Intel could claim a higher number if it counted chips that did not hit every performance target. Reuters could not establish the precise yield at present. In the interview with Reuters, Zinsner disputed these figures and said "yields are better than that." He did not give a number for July or late 2024, and Intel declined to provide this data. "Our expectation is every month they'll get better and better, such that we're at a yield level that is good for production-level Panther Lake at the end of the year," he said, adding: "I wouldn't say that margins are accretive even at those yield levels, so we still have to make improvement." Tan has tapped supply-chain contacts more than usual for Intel and has given them data to help improve chip yields, Zinsner said. For now, Intel remains partly dependent on TSMC to make its in-house designed chips. An Intel executive said in June that Nova Lake, a chip it is planning after Panther Lake, will be made partly on TSMC, too.