Apple prepares iOS 26.3 - What's new in release
Features coming in iOS 26.3 (photo: Getty Images)
Apple recently released the first beta of iOS 26.3 for iPhone. The update focuses mainly on improving compatibility between iPhone and Android devices, as well as supporting third-party smartwatches.
9to5Mac has compiled all the new iOS 26.3 features known so far.
Transfer to Android
The main new feature of iOS 26.3 is the Transfer to Android system, which simplifies moving from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. The function was developed as part of a joint effort between Apple and Google.
A similar mechanism recently appeared in the Android beta to transfer data from Android to iPhone. The goal of the initiative is to improve interaction between the two ecosystems.
According to Apple, users only need to place their Android device next to an iPhone to start the data transfer process. Once connected, photos, messages, notes, apps, and other content can be transferred over a wireless network. The phone number is also transferred.
However, sensitive data such as Health app information, Bluetooth devices, locked notes, and certain other data types are not transferred. Apple and Google note that as beta testing continues, the list of supported data types will expand.
Notification forwarding
iOS 26.3 introduces Notification Forwarding, allowing iPhone notifications to appear on third-party smartwatches and other wearable devices.
Apple specifies that notifications can only be forwarded to one device at a time. When the feature is enabled, notifications will not appear on Apple Watch. The option is available under Notifications in the Settings menu.
Currently, the feature only works in European Union countries. Apple is preparing for the implementation of the DMA law, which requires the company to allow third-party devices to receive notifications from iPhones. The company emphasizes that it sees this as a potential privacy risk, but it must comply with regulatory requirements.
Wallpapers
Apple has also made minor changes to the wallpaper menu. Previously, Weather and Astronomy wallpapers were in the same section, but in iOS 26.3, they are separated into two categories.
The wallpapers themselves remain the same, but the Weather section now includes several new pre-installed options. Weather wallpapers continue to display current weather conditions for the user’s location, while Astronomy wallpapers show the positions of Earth and Solar System objects.
Release date for iOS 26.3
The final version of iOS 26.3 is expected at the end of January. For comparison, iOS 18.3 was released on January 27, and iOS 17.3 on January 22.
At this stage, iOS 26.3 appears to be a smaller update compared to iOS 26.2. However, testing has just begun, and Apple may add new features in future beta versions.
Should you install the beta version
Apple has already opened access to both the developer beta and the public beta of iOS 26.3. Anyone interested can register their device in the testing program and install the update.
Users should consider the risks: beta versions may contain bugs and crashes that affect iPhone stability. In some cases, data loss is possible when reverting to iOS 26.2. Apple recommends making a full backup on a Mac or PC before installing.
