Apple has released the Release Candidate of iOS 26.3! These new features come to your iPhone with iOS 26.3 RC.
iOS 26.3 Release Candidate
A new test version of iOS 26.3 has been released! Apple has the Release Candidate (RC) of iOS 26.3 rolled out to developers. Usually the RC is the last test version, so iOS 26.3 will soon be available to all users. In the next software version, Apple will add a number of minor improvements. These are mainly changes that are the result of new European legislation.
European users will therefore receive a series of new functions. It will be easier to use third-party accessories, as iOS 26.3 will give them access to features that were previously exclusive to Apple devices. Smartwatches from other brands will soon also receive notifications via your iPhone. Starting from iOS 26.3, connecting wireless devices is as easy as connecting your AirPods, from now on you just have to hold them close to your iPhone.
New features for the iPhone
Furthermore, iOS 26.3 makes it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android device. With Transfer to Android, all you have to do is hold your new Android device next to your iPhone and transfer photos, messages, notes, apps and more wirelessly. Sensitive information such as health data, Bluetooth devices and locked notes are not included, you have to do that manually. Apple has already added this feature in iOS 26.3 RC for developers.
The new wallpapers for the iPhone are also already available in iOS 26.3 RC. Apple introduces three wallpapers in the Weather app theme. These backgrounds adapt to the weather situation of your current location. This way you can immediately see on the lock screen of your iPhone whether you can expect precipitation outside. Each background of the Weather app has its own style, which you can adjust to your personal preference.
Release of iOS 26.3
iOS 26.3 mainly brings minor changes to your iPhone, which are the result of European regulations. Now that iOS 26.3 RC has been released for developers, we don’t have to wait long for the final version of the update. Apple usually releases the update to all users a week after Release Candidate out. This means that you can install iOS 26.3 on your iPhone as early as next week.
Apple usually releases new software versions in the first half of the week. There is therefore a good chance that iOS 26.3 will be on Monday February 9, 2026 or Tuesday February 10, 2026 releases. Keep a close eye on your iPhone in the evening next week, updates often appear around 7 p.m. Dutch time. Don’t want to miss any updates? Then sign up for our daily or weekly newsletter so you always stay informed!
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