Here's What's New in iOS 26.3 So Far

[MacRumors]

Apple today seeded the second beta of iOS 26.3, nearly a month after the first beta. So far, the update includes a couple of new features for iPhones.

iOS 15.3 through iOS 18.3 were all released in late January over the years, so it is thereby likely that iOS 26.3 will be released towards the end of this month as well. The update is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer.

Below, we recap what is new in the iOS 26.3 beta so far.

iPhone to Android Transfer Tool

iOS 26.3 makes it easier for iPhone users to switch to an Android device. A new tool allows you to place your iPhone next to an Android device to wirelessly transfer photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. You can also transfer your phone number.

In the iOS 26.3 beta, the new tool can be found in the Settings app, under General → Transfer or Reset ‌iPhone‌ → Transfer to Android. It is available worldwide.

Notification Forwarding in EU

In the EU, iOS 26.3 introduces both a Notification Forwarding feature and AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories like earbuds and smartwatches.

Apple was required to make these changes to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act.

End-to-End Encrypted RCS Preparations

As of the second iOS 26.3 beta, Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for carriers to be able to support end-to-end encryption for RCS messages.

More

Starting with iOS 26.3, there is a dedicated section for Weather wallpapers, with three preset options available to choose from. To access them, tap and hold on the Lock Screen and tap on the plus sign in the bottom-right corner of the screen.

February is Black History Month, and iOS 26.3 will likely include the 2026 version of Apple's annual Black Unity wallpaper. Apple also typically releases a new Black Unity band for the Apple Watch, and a matching Unity Rhythm watch face.

iOS 26.1 introduced a Background Security Improvement feature that is designed to provide security updates for Safari, WebKit, and some other system items between iOS software updates. Apple has been testing the feature with updates such as "iOS 26.3 (a)" and "iOS 26.3 (b)," but they do not actually contain any security fixes.

Additional new features and bug fixes may be added in later beta versions of iOS 26.3. Overall, though, it will likely be a relatively minor update.

Beta 2

We have not discovered any major changes in the second beta of iOS 26.3 so far.

Article Link: Here's What's New in iOS 26.3 So Far

 

[WarmWinterHat]

One big one that you missed, and the only one I care about:

iOS 26.3 Adds Notification Forwarding Option for Third-Party Wearables

iOS 26.3 adds a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an iPhone to be forwarded to a third-party device. The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new "Notification Forwarding" option. Apple says that notifications can...

www.macrumors.com

I only want notifications on my Garmin for calls and one specific app, but I don't want to disable them on my phone.

Edit: I missed it, you did mention it. It's only available in the EU?! Mo*^#@@!$$%r! You suck, Cook.

 

[Nokolas]

I wish they would fix the CarPlay disconnection issue that I'm still suffering from. I can't even get Apple to acknowledge the problem.

 

[CATiNTHESTORE]

iPhone to Android transfer tool - ironically feature 😏

 

[thejadedmonkey]

Wait, notification forwarding is going to be EU only? That blows. I was really hoping to be able to use it with the Pebble I have on order.

 

[Qubelek]

Any bug fixes which are dragged since ios 26? Nope? xD you’re not even aware because you don’t even read user bug reports… shame Apple.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Wait, notification forwarding is going to be EU only? That blows. I was really hoping to be able to use it with the Pebble I have on order.

You'll be able to get all your nonfictions on it, and even respond if Pebble sets up their software that way. Unfortunately, you won't be able to select which apps it receives; it's all or nothing.

 

[scarletfire]

I just want a newer RCS Universal Profile 😭

 

[HomieHomer]

One big one that you missed, and the only one I care about:

iOS 26.3 Adds Notification Forwarding Option for Third-Party Wearables

iOS 26.3 adds a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an iPhone to be forwarded to a third-party device. The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new "Notification Forwarding" option. Apple says that notifications can...

www.macrumors.com

I only want notifications on my Garmin for calls and one specific app, but I don't want to disable them on my phone.

Edit: I missed it, you did mention it. It's only available in the EU?! Mo*^#@@!$$%r! You suck, Cook.

They aren’t disabled on your phone. But you can’t receive them on both a Garmin and an Apple Watch at the same time.
If you were in the EU.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

They aren’t disabled on your phone. But you can’t receive them on both a Garmin and an Apple Watch at the same time.
If you were in the EU.

I know they aren't disabled, but as I understand it, you'll be able to select which notifications, per-app, get forwarded to a non-Apple device. Right now it's all or nothing.

For instance, the only notifications I want on my Garmin are calls, texts and one work-related app, but to get the work app, I have to enable "apps" notifications, so I get everything. I guess it's not terrible as I have very few notifications enabled on my phone anyway..I kinda despise them.

 

[foobarbaz]

Notifications can be forwarded to one accessory at a time.
Notifications will not appear on Apple Watch while
Notification Forwarding is turned on.

So tired of them not giving a millimeter more than legally required. The system is perfectly capable of this (see Watch + Mac mirroring).

 

[TracesOfArsenic]

Wait, notification forwarding is going to be EU only? That blows. I was really hoping to be able to use it with the Pebble I have on order.

Yep, that's Apple for you. The only way they can compete is to handicap the competition, not actually compete with it.

 

[257Loner]

They’re going to need that iPhone to Android Transfer Tool to escape iOS 26.

 

[Volk.JP]

• EU: demands Apple to open its platform.
• Macrumors users: “EU is crazy! Apple should pull out from Europe!”
• Apple: makes requested features available only in the EU.
• Macrumor users: Hey! I want that too!

 

[socialwill]

Ever since they changed how you setup a new wallpaper/homescreen it has been a bit of a pain. I would like to just have the option in settings to change the wallpaper and not have to start over again with a whole new layout.

Plus it would be nice to keep the wallpapers from years past, even if you have to download them. Apple had some great wallpapers that are no longer around.

 

[Plutonius]

When will we get the ability to turn off liquid glass ?

 

[IceCool]

Ever since they changed how you setup a new wallpaper/homescreen it has been a bit of a pain. I would like to just have the option in settings to change the wallpaper and not have to start over again with a whole new layout.

Plus it would be nice to keep the wallpapers from years past, even if you have to download them. Apple had some great wallpapers that are no longer around.

The worst part about it is that you can no longer use a custom lock screen wallpaper and default Home Screen wallpaper. Super ridiculous.

 

[Anaxarxes]

One big one that you missed, and the only one I care about:

iOS 26.3 Adds Notification Forwarding Option for Third-Party Wearables

iOS 26.3 adds a new "Notification Forwarding" setting that allows incoming notifications on an iPhone to be forwarded to a third-party device. The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new "Notification Forwarding" option. Apple says that notifications can...

www.macrumors.com

I only want notifications on my Garmin for calls and one specific app, but I don't want to disable them on my phone.

Edit: I missed it, you did mention it. It's only available in the EU?! Mo*^#@@!$$%r! You suck, Cook.

it’s not cook you should be pissed at.

 

[Lounge vibes 05]

Why can’t you?

The worst part about it is that you can no longer use a custom lock screen wallpaper and default Home Screen wallpaper. Super ridiculous.

 

[dimon2242]

When will we get the ability to turn off liquid glass ?

EU only?)

 

[Reeneman]

• EU: demands Apple to open its platform.
• Macrumors users: “EU is crazy! Apple should pull out from Europe!”
• Apple: makes requested features available only in the EU.
• Macrumor users: Hey! I want that too!

So much on point 😅😅

 

[NervousFish2]

When will we get the ability to turn off liquid glass ?

I remember when folks reacted like this to iOS 7.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

Wait, notification forwarding is going to be EU only? That blows. I was really hoping to be able to use it with the Pebble I have on order.

They didn't remove the notification forwarding API that's been around since iOS 8, have they? Currently, Pebbles can display notifications from iPhone - just can't respond or act on them. You can toggle notifications per-app in the Pebble app.

I don't put it past Tim to have his people remove this functionality.

 

[Ursadorable]

Not seeing any UI fixes listed there, liquid glass or otherwise.

 

[riverguide]

In the EU, iOS 26.3 introduces both a Notification Forwarding feature and AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories like earbuds and smartwatches.

Apple was required to make these changes to comply with the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Too bad they are not required to open up a bit here. Will they ever? I know, I know, I have the freedom to transfer all of my personal tech to Android .. but I do not want to start all over again. Well, ecosystems are also egosystems. Apple is not the only one, of course.