iOS 26.3 Release Date, Features, and Everything We Know So Far

Dwijesh t

Apple is currently testing iOS 26.3, the third major point update to the iOS 26 operating system that debuted with the striking “Liquid Glass” design overhaul in late 2025. While Apple has not officially announced a release date, beta activity and historical update patterns provide a clear picture of what users can expect from this upcoming version.

iOS 26.3 Release Date Expectations

Based on Apple’s typical beta cycle, iOS 26.3 is expected to launch publicly in late January or early February 2026. Developer Beta 1 was released in mid-December 2025, with a Public Beta likely arriving in early January. Historically, x.3 updates often align with late-January rollouts, sometimes coinciding with new hardware announcements or seasonal software features.

Key Features Coming in iOS 26.3

Unlike major redesign-focused releases, iOS 26.3 is shaping up to be a flexibility and interoperability update, emphasizing cross-platform compatibility and regulatory compliance particularly in Europe.

1. Transfer to Android Tool

In a notable shift, Apple is reportedly collaborating with Google on a built-in “Transfer to Android” migration tool. Found under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, this feature will allow users to wirelessly move photos, contacts, messages, and notes to an Android device. For privacy reasons, sensitive data such as Health records and secure Bluetooth pairings will remain excluded.

2. Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Smartwatches

iOS 26.3 is expected to introduce notification forwarding to non-Apple wearables, including Garmin and Samsung smartwatches. To avoid duplication and notification overload, enabling this feature will automatically silence notifications on a paired Apple Watch.

3. EU-Exclusive Features for DMA Compliance

To comply with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), European users will gain access to several system-level enhancements:

  • High-bandwidth Wi-Fi sharing as an AirDrop alternative
  • Expanded NFC access for third-party wallets and accessories
  • One-tap proximity pairing for third-party headphones, similar to AirPods

These changes represent some of Apple’s most significant ecosystem openings to date.

4. Interface and Customization Improvements

iOS 26.3 also brings subtle but welcome UI refinements. The Weather & Astronomy wallpaper category will be split into two distinct sections, while new dynamic weather wallpapers will respond more fluidly to local conditions. Additionally, Apple is expected to introduce a new Black Unity wallpaper in February for Black History Month.

What’s Next: iOS 26.3 vs. iOS 26.4

While iOS 26.3 focuses on connectivity and compliance, iOS 26.4, expected in Spring 2026, is rumored to be a more powerful update. Leaks suggest it may feature a major Siri AI overhaul, a new Health+ subscription service, and sports-tier integration within the Apple TV app.

Overall, iOS 26.3 may not be flashy, but it represents a strategic evolution of iOS making it more open, adaptable, and future-ready.

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