Apple has released iOS 26.3 for iPhone users with a range of new features and software updates. The latest version of iOS introduces a new tool for switching to Android.
While it does not have many new features compared to iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2, important additions include a privacy control that limits what your phone shares.
Apple iOS 26.3 Key Features
The most important feature of the update is the tool for switching from an iPhone to an Android device, which makes data transfer seamless. Android used to offer a five-step process for the switch, which required connecting both devices with a cable. Apple's update means that iPhone users can simply place their device next to an Android phone to start data transfer.
With the two smartphones connected, users can shift photos, messages, notes, phone numbers, apps and passwords without any need to download and use a separate app, MacRumors reported.
However, health data, protected items like locked notes and devices paired with Bluetooth are not transferred over to the new device. A similar process has been implemented by Google as well.
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New Weather Wallpaper
The iOS 26.3 update splits sections like 'Astronomy' and 'Weather' into dedicated rows in the wallpaper gallery, making it simpler to search for and apply wallpapers. The 'Weather' section now features multiple live weather-based wallpapers that reflect local conditions.
Other Features
Apple has updated privacy options with a new Limit Precise Location setting that restricts how precisely one's location is shared with cellular networks. This gives users more control over what data is transmitted to the carriers.
Small interface refinements have been introduced in the privacy section of the Settings app. This makes it easier to understand and manage options like app permissions and data sharing, CNET reported.
Notification forwarding and proximity pairing have been introduced, but only in the European Union. iOS 26.3 also addresses several security issues that had been reported earlier.
Eligible iPhones And How To Install
The update is available for all iPhones that support iOS 26, including iPhone 11 and above models. Users can install iOS 26.3 by going to the Settings app. To install the latest iOS update, iPhone users can choose the Software Update option under the General section.
What's Next For Apple?
The company is set to release the first beta of iOS 26.4 two weeks later. It is also laying the groundwork for features that are not publicly available yet. Outside developers spotted references in iOS 26.3's code related to carrier infrastructure during its developer beta cycle, prompting speculation about future support for encrypted RCS messaging. This could allow developers to start building support into accessories and carrier systems. The feature is expected to be rolled out at a later date.
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