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Apple released the first iOS 26.3 beta<\/a> this week for iPhone users. The update focues a lot on interoperability between iPhone and Android devices, as well as support for third-party smartwatches. Here are all of the new iOS 26.3 features so far.<\/p>\n iOS 26.3 new features<\/p>\n Android transfer<\/p>\n The big change in iOS 26.3 is a new \u201cTransfer to Android\u201d system, which makes it easier for an iPhone user to switch to an Android device. This new system was developed as part of a joint collaboration<\/a> between Apple and Google.<\/p>\n The latest Android beta<\/a> adds a similar system for switching from Android to iPhone. The goal is to improve interoperability between the two platforms.<\/p>\n \u201cPlace your Android device next to this iPhone to get connected and begin the transfer process,\u201d Apple explains in the Settings app. Once the two devices are connected, the iPhone user can wirelessly transfer their photos, messages, notes, apps, and more to their new Android device.<\/p>\n The system also transfers the user\u2019s phone number to the new device.<\/p>\n Apple notes, however, that sensitive information like Health data, Bluetooth devices, locked notes, and more is not transferred to the Android device as part of this process.<\/p>\n Apple and Google, however, say that new data types will be added as they continue to the beta testing process across both platforms.<\/p>\n Notification forwarding<\/p>\n Next, iOS 26.3 adds<\/a> a new \u201cNotification Forwarding\u201d system that allows iPhone notifications to show up on a third-party smartwatch or other wearable form factor.<\/p>\n \u201cNotifications can be forwarded to one accessory at a time,\u201d Apple explains. \u201cNotifications will not appear on Apple Watch while Notification Forwarding is turned on.\u201d<\/p>\n You can find this new option in the \u201cNotifications\u201d menu in the Settings app.<\/p>\n The feature, however, is limited to the European Union. Apple is preparing for the upcoming DMA rules<\/a> that will force Apple to allow third-party devices to display notifications forwarded from the iPhone.<\/p>\n Apple argues<\/a> that this is a threat to user privacy, but the company ultimately has no choice but to comply for now.<\/p>\n Wallpapers<\/p>\n Finally, Apple has made some small changes<\/a> to the wallpapers menu on iPhone with iOS 26.3. Previously, there was one single category for Weather and Astronomy wallpapers. In iOS 26.3, that category is split into two individual sections.<\/p>\n The actual wallpapers here are the same. The difference is that Apple has added a few new pre-built wallpapers in the Weather category. As always, the Weather wallpapers display \u201clive weather conditions for your current location.\u201d The Astronomy wallpapers show you the current astronomical positioning of the earth or the Solar System.<\/p>\n iOS 26.3 release date<\/p>\n iOS 26.3 will likely be released in late January. For context, iOS 18.3 was released<\/a> on January 27, while iOS 27.3 was released<\/a> on January 22.<\/p>\n iOS 26.3 wrap up<\/p>\n As you can see, iOS 26.3 is a smaller update than iOS 26.2<\/a>. Still, we\u2019re early in the beta testing process and there\u2019s plenty of time for that to change.<\/p>\n Have you noticed anything new in iOS 26.3? If so, let us know down in the comments. We\u2019ll keep this guide updated throughout the beta period.<\/p>\n My favorite iPhone accessories:<\/p>\n Follow Chance:\u00a0Threads<\/a>,\u00a0Bluesky<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>, and\u00a0Mastodon<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.<\/a><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/android-transfer-ios-26.jpg\"){kind=spacer}
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