AllYouCanTech

# iOS 26.3 Security Update Trials New ‘Background Security Enhancements’ System

If you’re using the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple has recently made available a new security update for installation. However, this update does not provide any fixes; it aims to evaluate a new system.

## Update Overview

As the new year rolls in, Apple is anticipated to release additional betas for iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and beyond. Recently, Apple delivered a distinctive update for beta testers, labeled ‘iOS 26.3 (a)’. This update functions as a trial for the newly restructured ‘Background Security Enhancements’ system.

### Getting the Update

In contrast to standard updates accessible via the Software Update section, this particular one can be found under Privacy & Security ⇾ Background Security Enhancements. This update is part of a significant revision initiated with iOS 26.1, which unveiled the Background Security Enhancements system but has not been deployed by Apple until now.

### Main Features of the Update

The release notes for the iOS 26.3 (a) update specify that this Background Security Enhancement is solely for testing and does not include any security fixes. The installation procedure resembles a regular Software Update, though it is located in a different menu.

After installation, users can choose to remove the update directly from the same Settings screen. If a user decides to uninstall the update, their iPhone will restart, and the security update will be erased.

### Prospective Consequences

This testing phase may suggest that Apple intends to introduce the Background Security Enhancements to all users shortly.

### Update 1/8

Just two days following the initial test security update, Apple issued a subsequent update, ‘iOS 26.3 (b)’, for beta users. Like its predecessor, this update is also strictly for testing and does not include real fixes.

In conclusion, the iOS 26.3 beta is presently in a testing phase for a new security system, with updates available for users to investigate.

# Rumor Replay: Latest Apple Product Speculations

Welcome to Rumor Replay, a weekly feature at 9to5Mac that provides a brief overview of the most current Apple product speculations, complete with insights and analysis. Today: an initial glimpse at the iPhone Fold’s anticipated crease-less display technology, upcoming iPhone camera enhancements, and more. Here are the Apple rumors for this week.

## Initial Insight into iPhone Fold’s Anticipated Crease-Free Display

CES is taking place this week, and Samsung may have inadvertently unveiled the technology behind the iPhone Fold’s display. It has been speculated for some time that Samsung could supply the iPhone Fold’s ‘crease-less’ display. The Verge reported this week that a model of Samsung’s crease-free OLED technology was briefly showcased at CES alongside a more traditional folding display with visible creases.

### My Observations

The display demonstrated by Samsung is not anticipated to be the exact version that the iPhone Fold’s display will take. We’re now looking forward to a screen that’s wider than it is tall when unfolded. Nevertheless, it does provide a captivating example of the foundational technology said to be employed to realize the iPhone Fold’s crease-free design. From the visuals I’ve observed, it appears to be a significant enhancement over all previous foldables.

## Upcoming iPhone Camera Enhancements

This week, there were two camera-focused iPhone speculations. Morgan Stanley released a research note asserting that Apple will incorporate a 200MP camera in the 2028 iPhone. Current iPhone cameras peak at 48MP. Previously, we learned that such an enhancement was under evaluation, but this is the first time a specific target year has been identified.

Leaker Digital Chat Station expressed less certainty regarding that timeline. He did mention, however, that Apple is exploring multispectral camera technology. My colleague Ben indicates this “could enhance the precision of color identification, particularly in low light settings.”

### My Observations

For many years, it has been evident that Apple won’t chase camera megapixel increases as a mere marketing gimmick. Rivals reached 48MP long before the iPhone, but when Apple eventually made the switch, it came with substantial advantages. I hope for a similar experience if the iPhone adopts a 200MP camera and don’t mind biding my time until the current issues with Samsung’s 200MP models are sorted out.

## iPhone 17e Launch Approaching

Last year, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e in late February. It appears that a comparable timeline may be in store for this year’s iPhone 17e. Weibo leaker Smart Pikachu shared this week that mass production of the iPhone 17e is scheduled to commence soon after CES. This suggests a production start next week or shortly after. Based on standard production timelines, a launch around late February seems plausible.

### My Observations

Apple has an unusually high number of products anticipated for release early this year. The iPhone 17e joins several Macs and iPads that are all rumored for the winter months. Additionally, there are new Home products expected around the time Siri’s iOS 26.4 upgrades are launched. It makes me think whether Apple intends to hold an official March event this year to showcase all its new products, or if we will instead see several smaller launches communicated through press releases.

What are your thoughts on this week’s Apple rumors? Share with us in the comments.

Apple TV has announced the launch date for its forthcoming film, “Eternity,” created by A24, which first hit theaters late last year. The movie is set to premiere on Apple TV on **Friday, February 13, 2026**, aligning with Valentine’s Day.

Featuring a notable cast including Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner, “Eternity” is presented as a high-concept romantic comedy that has received favorable reviews from critics and audiences alike. The official synopsis of the film highlights its captivating storyline: in an afterlife where souls have one week to select their eternal path, Joan (portrayed by Elizabeth Olsen) faces a choice between her lifelong partner (Miles Teller) and her first love (Callum Turner), who has been waiting for her since his premature passing.

This movie marks a distinctive entry in Apple TV’s catalog, having had a theatrical release without being promoted as an Apple production at that time, with a focus on A24’s branding instead. Last year, the only significant theatrical release linked to Apple was “F1,” which became the company’s largest box office triumph.

“Eternity” will be accessible to all Apple TV subscribers, with the service available for **$12.99 per month**, or at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.

**CES 2026: The Ultimate Highlights of the Largest Tech Exhibition**

CES 2026, the leading technology event, is currently unfolding in Las Vegas, showcasing a range of groundbreaking products and ideas that extend the limits of technology. This year’s exhibition has presented a multitude of thrilling innovations, from holographic desktop devices to intelligent LEGO bricks, and even chargers that can convert smartphones into AI robotic helpers.

### Key Features of CES 2026

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is celebrated for uniting top technology companies and creative startups to display their newest inventions. As is customary, numerous remarkable announcements took place before the official onset of the exhibition, yet fresh products keep emerging as the event progresses.

#### Prominent Product Launches

1. **Holographic Desktop Devices**: These gadgets are set to transform our interaction with digital media, delivering a three-dimensional viewing experience that could revolutionize everything from gaming to professional presentations.

2. **Intelligent LEGO Bricks**: The latest LEGO bricks incorporate technology to enrich play, enabling interactive building experiences that merge the physical and digital realms.

3. **AI-Powered Robot Assistant Chargers**: These state-of-the-art chargers not only charge devices but also employ AI to provide user assistance, offering tailored recommendations and help.

4. **Electric Bikes**: Brands such as Segway have rolled out the most advanced electric bike technologies, unveiling models suitable for both city commuting and off-road exploration.

5. **Solar-Powered Pavilions**: These environmentally-friendly structures are designed for outdoor enjoyment, outfitted with solar panels to generate energy for lighting and other conveniences.

6. **Augmented Reality Goggles**: The newest in AR eyewear, these goggles present enhanced display capabilities, making them perfect for both entertainment and practical uses.

7. **Advancements in Electric Vehicle Tech**: CES remains a center for breakthroughs in electric vehicles, highlighting the latest innovations aimed at boosting efficiency, sustainability, and user satisfaction.

### Final Thoughts

CES 2026 exemplifies the unceasing pace of technological progress, featuring products that not only improve daily life but also spark future advancements. As the exhibition moves forward, additional thrilling announcements are anticipated, reinforcing CES’s standing as the premier gathering for tech aficionados and industry experts alike. For those keen on discovering the latest in technology, CES 2026 is an essential event to follow.

**iOS 26 Adoption Analysis: A Gradual Beginning Compared to Earlier Releases**

iOS 26 has been on the market for almost four months, but data from Statcounter suggests that this iPhone update is considerably trailing behind its earlier versions in terms of adoption, with the majority of users choosing to remain on iOS 18.

### iOS 26 Adoption Apparently Lags Seriously Behind Previous Versions

Statcounter has been monitoring usage statistics for browsers, OS versions, and search engines for many years. Its most recent findings regarding iOS 26 adoption illustrate a very straightforward narrative: the overwhelming number of iPhone users continue to operate on iOS 18.

International iOS version statistics as of January 2026 reveal the following iOS 18 usage among active iPhones:

– **iOS 18.7**: 33.8%
– **iOS 18.6**: 25.2%
– **iOS 18.5**: 5.6%

In comparison, the usage percentages for iOS 26 are as follows:

– **iOS 26.1**: 10.6%
– **iOS 26.2**: 4.6%
– **iOS 26.0**: 1.1%

After four months since its launch, iOS 26 is utilized by only about 16% of iPhone users, while iOS 18 still dominates with over 60%.

Is this typical for new OS releases? Not based on Statcounter’s data. In January 2025, more than 60% of users were using some iteration of the latest iOS 18 software—approximately four times the number currently using iOS 26 in this same period. In 2024, iOS 17 similarly achieved over 50% adoption already.

### 9to5Mac’s Perspective

Apple seldom discloses OS usage statistics, making third-party sources like Statcounter the most reliable means of gauging a software release’s adoption. Thus far, the outlook for iOS 26 appears less than favorable.

If these statistics are remotely accurate, it raises the question: why are users hesitant to upgrade?

Possible explanations include Apple’s emphasis on potential battery life effects, its postponement of making iOS 26 the ‘recommended’ update in Settings, or apprehensions regarding the Liquid Glass design.

### Summary

The sluggish adoption rate of iOS 26 prompts inquiries about user inclinations and reservations concerning new updates. As the technology community continues to evaluate these patterns, it remains uncertain how Apple will tackle these challenges and persuade users to make the upgrade.

### This Week in Apple News

In the most recent episode of the 9to5Mac Happy Hour, hosts Benjamin Mayo and Chance Miller talk about major changes in the Apple ecosystem. This week signifies a crucial moment as Apple reveals the transfer of the Apple Card from Goldman Sachs to Chase. This modification is expected to improve user satisfaction and broaden the card’s features.

#### Fitness+ Underwhelms

Despite Apple’s strong marketing initiatives at the start of the year, the Fitness+ service has fallen short of expectations. Users have voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the new features and content, raising concerns about the platform’s sustainability in the competitive fitness application landscape.

#### NBA Live-Streaming on Vision Pro

In a move that underscores Apple’s dedication to sports and entertainment, NBA live-streaming has officially debuted on the Vision Pro headset. This integration seeks to deliver an immersive viewing experience, utilizing the advanced capabilities of the Vision Pro to captivate sports enthusiasts in innovative ways.

#### App Store Changes in Japan

In response to regulatory demands in Japan, Apple has implemented various modifications to its App Store policies. These adjustments are intended to align with local legislation and enhance the overall experience for developers and users in the area.

### Predictions for 2026

In the Happy Hour Plus segment, Benjamin and Chance unveil their yearly forecasts for Apple in 2026. Each host shares three daring predictions, reflecting their perspectives on the company’s possible paths and innovations in the years ahead.

### Join Happy Hour Plus

Listeners are invited to subscribe to 9to5Mac Happy Hour Plus for an ad-free experience, exclusive pre- and post-show content, and additional episodes. Subscriptions are priced at $5 per month or $50 annually, with a special discount code “HAPPY26” for new subscribers.

### Feedback and Interaction

Listeners can interact with the show by sending in questions via Twitter, Mastodon, or Threads, or by emailing [email protected]. The hosts appreciate feedback and inquiries from their audience.

### Conclusion

Keep informed with the latest Apple news and insights by listening to the 9to5Mac Happy Hour. The show’s combination of analysis and predictions offers a thorough overview of what’s occurring in the Apple landscape.