Last Friday, Apple unveiled iOS 26.2 for all iPhone users. This update introduces various new features and crucial security patches, marking it as the final significant software update from Apple for the year. Nonetheless, the company is anticipated to commence beta testing for iOS 26.3 shortly. It remains uncertain what Apple has in store for this update apart from the Unity wallpapers set to be released in January to honor Black History Month, but even if you are keen on trying out Apple’s latest software, iOS 26.3 beta 1 is one you might want to pass on.
Unlike most other beta releases, this is one we cannot suggest to the typical iPhone user. After all, it will take nearly a month before Apple launches the second beta version due to delays stemming from the holiday season. Nevertheless, if you encounter any significant bugs in iOS 26.3 beta 1 or even minor annoying problems, you’ll have to wait until the second week of January for a new build containing bug fixes.
iOS 26.3 should arrive soon. Although Apple generally takes longer than normal to launch the second version of its x.3 iOS beta builds, this cycle is typically one of the briefest for any beta. In previous years, Apple only released two to three beta versions of iOS x.3 before the Release Candidate version was available. In simpler terms, everyone should have access to iOS 26.3 by early February.
It is also notable that over the past three years, Apple has aimed for the end of January or early February for the rollout of an iOS update. The more significant aspect of iOS 26.3 is actually what follows it. After all, the company did not introduce a completely new Siri with iOS 18.4 and postponed new Apple Intelligence functionalities and smart home products as well. With Apple engineers concentrating on delivering this major software update, this could signal that iOS 26.3 will be a relatively minor update.
Last week, a report disclosed some features of iOS 26.4 that Apple has been developing, along with insights into upcoming functionalities expected for iOS 27 and iOS 28. We anticipate that 2026 will be another significant year for Apple’s software updates, particularly regarding Siri.
