A new update has been released for the iPhone. With iOS 26.3, fun new features are coming to your device!
iOS 26.3 is out: you can immediately install the latest update
It’s time to update your iPhone again, because iOS 26.3 is here. The update contains a number of new features, the most important of which we briefly explain. iOS 26.3 is quite an interesting update, especially for European users, because some of the features are exclusive to iPhones in the European Union.
Install iOS 26.3: this is how you do it
- Tap ‘Settings’;
- Scroll down and tap ‘General’;
- Then go to ‘Software update’;
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update to iOS 26.3.
The update is available for any iPhone that can run iOS 26. It may happen that the update is not yet available for your device, even if you have iOS 26. This is because Apple usually releases the update in phases.
Sometimes you have to wait a while before the update is available. Is the update for your iPhone not yet available? Then wait half an hour and then try again.
iOS 26.3: the most important new features
As we just mentioned, there are a few interesting features in the update. We have listed the most important ones for you!
1. Notifications on smartwatches
Do you not have an Apple Watch, but do you have a smartwatch from another brand? Then iOS 26.3 contains a useful feature. Your iPhone can now forward notifications to third-party accessories, such as smartwatches (even without a special app).
2. Connecting accessories
iOS 26.3 makes it easier to connect wireless accessories to your iPhone. To connect to many wireless devices, you now have to install an application or follow an extensive step-by-step plan.
A new feature in iOS 26.3 changes this, because your iPhone automatically registers your wireless accessories when they are nearby. Just like you can now connect your AirPods or an AirTag, for example.
3. More options for the NFC chip
The NFC chip in your iPhone will have more options with iOS 26.3. The NFC chip allows devices to exchange data securely within a distance of ten centimeters.
The feature used to only work with Apple devices, but that is no longer the case in iOS 26.3. This should make exchanging data between Apple and Android devices faster, safer and easier.
4. Making wireless connections becomes easier
Third-party devices must now have the same wireless capabilities as Apple devices. This is good news, because your iPhone can work better with, for example, a laptop that runs on Windows.
5. Switch to Android
Has your iPhone seen its best days and do you secretly want to try out an Android device? Then iOS 26.3 is the update for you. There’s now a new feature that makes it easier to switch from an iPhone to an Android smartphone.
6. New wallpapers
Finally, iOS 26.3 also tweaks the Wallpapers menu. Weather and astronomy wallpapers have always been together in one category, but now they are split into two parts.
The backgrounds are otherwise the same, but Apple has added a few new ones under the Weather heading. Just like the old backgrounds, these also show live weather conditions.
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