Apple recently released the first beta version of iOS 26.3 – here are 6 changes the update will soon bring to your iPhone.
iOS 26.3 brings these 6 changes to your iPhone
The update mainly focuses on interoperability between iPhone and Android devices and support for third-party smartwatches. We list all the changes in iOS 26.3 for you.
1. Transfer to Android
A big change in iOS 26.3 is a new ‘Transfer to Android’ system, which makes it easier for iPhone users to switch to an Android device. This new system was developed as part of a collaboration between Apple and Google. The latest Android beta adds a similar system for switching from Android to iPhone.
Once the two devices are connected, photos, messages, notes, apps and more can be transferred wirelessly. Apple does note that sensitive information such as health data, Bluetooth devices, locked notes, and more are not transferred this way.
2. Forward notifications
iOS 26.3 also adds a new notification forwarding system. This allows iPhone notifications to be displayed on a third-party smartwatch. Notifications can be forwarded to one accessory at a time and will not appear on the Apple Watch when the feature is enabled.
The function is limited to the European Union. Apple is preparing for upcoming DMA rules that will require Apple to allow third-party devices to display notifications forwarded from the iPhone. Apple stilt that this poses a threat to user privacy, but the company ultimately has no choice but to comply for the time being.
3. Proximity link for third party accessories
Thanks to this feature in iOS 26.3 (also for the EU), you can connect to third-party accessories just as easily as to your AirPods.
4. New NFC features
These NFC features for the EU make it possible to activate devices connected to an iPhone without the iPhone being physically present.
5. P2P Wi-Fi connection feature
One of the changes in iOS 26.3 is a high-bandwidth Wi-Fi connection for peer-to-peer use in the EU. This type of connection allows Apple services and hardware to quickly exchange content with an iPhone without relying on external networks or hardware.
6.Wallpapers
The last of the changes that iOS 26.3 brings to your iPhone are some changes to the wallpaper menu. Previously there was one category for backgrounds with weather and astronomy. In iOS 26.3, that category has been split into two separate sections. The backgrounds themselves have remained the same. The difference is that Apple has added some new wallpapers to the Weather category. As always, those wallpapers display the “live weather conditions for your current location.”
Release iOS 26.3
Apple has not yet announced the official release date of the public version of iOS 26.3, but often follows the same timeline when releasing new software versions. Similar updates previously appeared on these dates:
- iOS 18.3: Monday January 27, 2025;
- iOS 17.3: Monday January 22, 2024;
- iOS 16.3: Monday January 23, 2023;
- iOS 15.3: Wednesday January 26, 2022.
These software versions were all released in late January, so iOS 26.3 is expected to be released around the same time in 2026. Typically, Apple releases updates on Mondays around 7 p.m. There is therefore a good chance that iOS 26.3 will be on Monday January 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM (Dutch time) is available on your iPhone. Do you want to be sure you don’t miss anything? Then sign up for our newsletter!
Download the iPhoned app
