A few weeks following the launch of the initial iOS 26.3 Beta, Apple has introduced the second version — iOS 26.3 Beta 2. While the specifics of this build remain uncertain (Apple still hasn’t released comprehensive changelogs), it’s probable that the company has enhanced features included in prior releases, along with rectifying bugs. If Apple adheres to trends seen in previous years, iOS 26.3 will likely have fewer beta iterations compared to iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2, given that the final version is anticipated to be available in late January. Furthermore, among the new features, the company is working on several exclusive options for users in Europe.
For instance, Apple is preparing an updated notification system that will enable third-party smartwatches to receive alerts from an iPhone. Although this functionality has been confined to Apple Watch models until now, the company will allow users the option to select a third-party smartwatch for notifications instead. Additionally, specific to Europe, there is a new NFC capability with enhanced data sharing functionality over a Wi-Fi connection. While Apple has not clarified how these features will operate, they are among the list of enhancements the company needed to implement for users in the EU.
iOS 26.3 is set to bring other features as well. For everyone else, migrating data from Android to iPhone will become simpler during the setup phase. While both companies possess proprietary applications for transferring data, starting with iOS 26.3 and Android 16, Apple is incorporating a built-in feature to facilitate the migration of apps, messages, and photos more efficiently. The companies indicate that additional data will be made readily transferable in the future.
In addition, a new wallpaper is also anticipated, mirroring the black unity wallpaper of 2025. Although Apple typically reserves these for the Release Candidate version, new wallpapers have featured in previous iOS iterations of version X.3, as the company commemorates Black History Month in February. As always, we will keep you informed once more details about the updates in iOS 26.3 Beta 2 emerge. Apple is also releasing the second testing versions of iPadOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3, watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, and visionOS 26.3.