iOS 26.3

iOS 26.3 release candidate is out now

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Summary created by Smart Answers AI

In summary:

  • Macworld reports that the iOS 26.3 release candidate went live on February 4, with a wide public release expected next week after the December developer beta.
  • The update introduces EU-mandated features, including easier switching between Android and iPhone, forwarding notifications to third-party smartwatches, and carrier location tracking limits.
  • This minor update focuses on bug fixes and security updates before the major Siri upgrade arrives in iOS 26.4.

After the release of iOS 16.2 on Friday, December 12, the first beta version of iOS 26.3 was made available to developers a few days later, on December 15. We expect the final public release sometime in late January or early February. This is said to be the last minor update before iOS 26.4 brings the improved Siri update we’ve been waiting over a year for.

February 4 Update: iOS 26.3 release candidate has been released. We expect a wide release next week.

Foundry

iOS 26.3 beta: What’s new

The iOS 26.3 beta doesn’t include many obvious changes. Most of them seem to be bug fixes and security updates. We will keep this section updated with any changes that affect users.

Easily switch between Android and iPhone: iOS 26.3 brings support for easier iOS/Android switching created in collaboration with Google at the behest of the European Union. You can read more about it here.

Forwarding notifications for third-party devices: In another EU-mandated change, Apple will allow notifications to be forwarded to third-party devices, such as non-Apple Watch smartwatches. There is a new one Forwarding Notice section in Settings > Notification

Limit the exact location for the carrier: A new option in this support document allows you to disable exact location searches for your career. Requires iOS 26.3 and supporting carrier (EE or BT in the UK, Boost Mobile in the US). This has no effect on the location of applications or the operating system, it only applies to tracking the operator’s location and changes it from exact (exact address) to approximate (neighborhood).

iOS 26.3 beta: How to install the public beta

If you want to test iOS 26 betas but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:

  1. Click the Sign Up button on the Apple Beta page and sign up with your Apple ID.
  2. Sign up for the beta software program.
  3. Click Enroll your iOS device.
  4. Open the Settings app, tap General, then tap Software Update.
  5. Under Beta Updates, select the iOS public beta.

After registration, it may take some time for the beta option to appear in Software Update.

iOS 26.3 beta: How to install the developer beta

You will need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get it through Xcode or the Apple Developer app on iOS. Here’s how to do it through the Apple Developer app:

  1. Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
  2. Open the application.
  3. Tap Account.
  4. Sign in with your usual Apple ID.

Find out everything you need to know about iOS 26 in our iOS 26 Super Guide.

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