Apple unveiled the initial iOS 26.3 beta this week for iPhone users, concentrating on compatibility between iPhone and Android devices as well as support for third-party smartwatches. Below are the new features brought forth in iOS 26.3.
### iOS 26.3 New Features
#### Android Transfer
An important modification in iOS 26.3 is the new “Transfer to Android” feature, aimed at easing the transition for iPhone users moving to Android devices. This feature was created through a partnership between Apple and Google. The recent Android beta also presents a comparable feature for transferring from Android to iPhone, intending to improve compatibility between the two systems.
Users can start the transfer by placing their Android device next to the iPhone, facilitating a wireless transfer of photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. The user’s phone number can also be moved, but sensitive information such as Health data, Bluetooth devices, and locked notes will not be part of the transfer. Apple and Google are looking to add new data types as beta testing continues.
#### Notification Forwarding
iOS 26.3 launches a “Notification Forwarding” feature that enables iPhone notifications to appear on third-party smartwatches or other wearables. Users can direct notifications to one accessory at a time, with the condition that notifications will not be visible on the Apple Watch while this feature is enabled. This option can be accessed in the “Notifications” menu within the Settings app. Currently, this functionality is restricted to the European Union due to the forthcoming Digital Markets Act regulations.
#### Wallpapers
Apple has implemented slight changes to the wallpapers menu in iOS 26.3, dividing the previous single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers into two distinct sections. Although the wallpapers remain unchanged, a few new pre-made wallpapers have been introduced to the Weather category. The Weather wallpapers depict real-time conditions for the user’s current location, while the Astronomy wallpapers reveal the present positioning of the Earth or Solar System.
### iOS 26.3 Release Date
The official launch of iOS 26.3 is anticipated for late January. To provide context, iOS 18.3 was released on January 27, and iOS 27.3 was released on January 22.
### iOS 26.3 Wrap Up
In summary, iOS 26.3 seems to be a smaller update when compared to iOS 26.2. Nevertheless, as the beta testing phase remains in its early phases, there is potential for additional changes and enhancements. Users are encouraged to share any new discoveries in iOS 26.3 as the beta moves forward.
