Apple released this week’s iPhone for users everywhere. The update focuses a lot on iPhone and Android interoperability, privacy and more. Here are all the new features in iOS 26.3.
Updated February 12, 2026 with release information.
New features of iOS 26.3
Android transfer
The big change in iOS 26.3 is the new “Transfer to Android” system, which makes it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android devices. This new system was developed as part of a joint collaboration between Apple and Google.
The latest Android beta version adds a similar system for switching from Android to iPhone. The goal is to improve interoperability between the two platforms.
“Place your Android device next to this iPhone to connect and start the transfer process,” Apple explains in the Settings app. Once both devices are connected, an iPhone user can wirelessly transfer their photos, messages, notes, apps, and more to their new Android device.
The system will also transfer the user’s phone number to the new device.
However, Apple notes that sensitive information such as health data, Bluetooth devices, locked notes, and more are not transferred to the Android device as part of this process.
However, Apple and Google say that new data types will be added as they continue the testing process across both platforms.
Limit sharing of location data
iOS 26.3 includes a new privacy feature: “exact location restrictions”. In a support document, Apple says this allows you to “limit some of the information that mobile networks can use to determine your location.”
For example, your carrier may only be able to determine the neighborhood where your device is located, not a specific address.
To use this new feature you will need:
- iPhone Air, iPhone 16e or iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iOS 26.3 or later
- Supported careers:
- Germany: Telekom
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- United States: Boost Mobile
- Thailand: AIS, true
You can find the new toggle by opening the Settings app, tapping Cellular, and tapping Cellular Data Options.
More EU features
In addition to the new push notification feature, the EU has confirmed that iOS 26.3 includes the following changes:
- AirPods-like contactless pairing for third-party accessories: Learn more
- New NFC features for using an iPhone to launch connected devices without an iPhone present: Learn more
- Broadband Wi-Fi for peer-to-peer use: Learn more
- It’s also what’s used to power the new Android-iPhone switching features.
In the statement to 9 to 5 MacThe European Union dealt with the following new functions:
Thanks to the work on the implementation of DMA, new opportunities are brought to European users. The Commission welcomes the updates presented by Apple.
Developers can now test interoperability with two new features that are the subject of last March’s decision on the interoperability specification for connected iOS devices (such as smartwatches, headphones or TVs). The features released by Apple in the iOS 26.3 beta are expected to be fully available in Europe during 2026.
DMA creates new opportunities for developers to market innovative products and services in Europe.
This is another step towards a more connected digital ecosystem for the benefit of all EU citizens.
iOS 26.3 betas also included a notification forwarding feature that allowed third-party devices to display notifications forwarded from the iPhone. However, this option is not in the final released version of iOS 26.3.
wallpapers
Apple has made some small changes to the iPhone wallpaper menu with iOS 26.3. Previously, there was a single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers. In iOS 26.3, this category is split into two separate sections.
The actual wallpapers here are the same. The difference is that Apple has added some new preset wallpapers in the Weather category. As always, Weather wallpapers display “live weather conditions for your current location”. Astronomy wallpapers show you the current astronomical position of the Earth or the Solar System.
Solid security
Finally, iOS 26.3 fixes more than 35 security bugs. At least one of these vulnerabilities has been exploited in the wild, Apple says.
iOS 26.3 wrap
As you can see, iOS 26.3 is a smaller update than iOS 26.2. Still, there are some nice changes for iPhone users.
Notice anything new in iOS 26.3? If so, let us know down in the comments. You can update by going to the Settings app, selecting General, then Software Update.
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