Apple released iOS 26.3 to the public with changes including a simplified way to transfer to Android devices.
After another beta testing cycle, Apple has released its iOS 26.3 update to the public. The update comes after Apple only tested one beta build, with testers using the first build during the year-end holiday period.
While iOS 26.2 brought many new features to the operating system, iOS 26.3 brings a little less. This is fairly common for Apple, as major features are released as part of the initial release in the fall, with fewer features added later.
Transfers for Android
Switches usually have a lot to do to get their data from one device to another. However, since Google and Apple have agreed to make switching to another platform easier, Apple has caught up by adding a feature to make it easier for iPhone users to switch to Android.
A new option in Settings called Transfer to Android asks the user to place their iPhone next to the target Android device. Once connected, it will begin the transfer process, which can include apps, photos, messages, and the phone number itself.
Health data, Bluetooth paired devices and protected items cannot be transferred.
Notification forwarding for third-party wearable devices
Under the iOS 26.1 beta code reference, Apple was expected to improve the iPhone’s collaboration with third-party smartwatch manufacturers. This became a reality in iOS 26.3 betas.
Although it appeared in the beta versions, it did not make it to the public release this time.
An option under Notifications in Settings would control whether notifications can be displayed on non-Apple devices. Setting this option would disable Apple Watch notifications as it would only work with “one accessory at a time”.
Limited exact location for C series modems
Beta and post-release iPhone users with C1 and C1X modems can benefit from a new feature that will help hide users’ location data from carriers.
This is not a feature that will benefit all users, as only a few professions will initially support it. More careers are expected to adopt this feature in the future.
How to update to iOS 26.3
A manual update to iOS 26.3 is available by opening Settings application and then select Generalfollows Software update. If you have an update available, it can be installed from here.
This is not necessary if you have enabled automatic updates, which are available from the same software update options.