Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that were released in September. The new software comes nearly two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.
The new software can be downloaded to eligible iPhones and iPads over the air in Settings > General > Software Update.
According to Apple’s release notes, iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 include unspecified bug fixes and security updates, but there are a few features Apple didn’t highlight.
The updates add a tool to switch from Apple to Android devices. Transfers can be initiated during the device setup process, and moving data from one device to another can be done without downloading apps from Apple and Google.
The transfer process supports moving photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone numbers and more, and it’s not too surprising that Apple doesn’t promote it. Data transfers were already possible, though not as simple, and Apple probably doesn’t want to encourage users to switch to another platform.
In December, the European Union touted the new transmission tool as an example of how the Digital Markets Act (DMA) benefits users and developers. Google and Apple seem to have implemented this feature because DMA requires services to offer interoperability to avoid locking customers into the operating system. The two companies decided to add the feature worldwide, not just in the EU.
iOS 26.3 includes a setting to limit carrier location tracking, though it’s limited to a few select carriers worldwide. In the United States, only Boost Mobile currently supports this feature. EE and BT in the UK offer it, as do Telekom in Germany and AIS and True in Thailand. This feature is only available for devices with C1 or C1X modems.
In the iOS 26.3 beta, Apple added additional Europe-only changes for third-party wearables that were shared by the European Commission. Devices like headphones and smartwatches will be able to use some of the same features as AirPods and the Apple Watch.
Touchless pairing will allow third-party devices to pair with an iOS device with a single tap, similar to AirPods, by holding the accessory close to an iPhone or iPad. Third-party accessories such as smartwatches will be able to receive richer iPhone notifications that can be viewed and interacted with. Apple allows notifications to be forwarded to one connected device, so turning on notifications for a third-party watch will disable notifications on the Apple Watch.
While these features were tested in iOS 26.3, they may have been removed for the software version and could come in a future update.
Most of the beta testing period focused on bug fixes and these EU-specific features, so there isn’t much new in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3. We expect a lot more to be added in iOS 26.4 and the first iOS 26.4 beta could arrive this month.