Apple released the second beta of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to developers on Monday, 12 January 2026, refining a significant update that simplifies cross-platform data migration and addressing the limitation of European users.
EU customers until now could not send notifications to non-Apple mobile accessories like smartwatches or enjoy AirPods-style proximity pairing with other earbuds.
Coming four weeks after the initial beta, the software is inching closer to a public launch expected later this month.
Here are the key features of the update:
Native Android Migration
Apple is building the exit door directly into the operating system. A new "Transfer to Android" feature, located under Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, allows users to wirelessly migrate data to an Android-powered device.
Unlike previous methods that required third-party apps, this native tool works simply by placing the iPhone next to an Android handset. The process supports transferring photos, messages, notes, apps, phone numbers, calendars, and some basic settings. However, Health data, Apple Pay items, Keychain passwords, Apple Watch data, and some app-specific data do not transfer. This feature is available to users worldwide.
Oluwajeminipe Fasheun-Motesho
EU-Exclusive Interoperability
To comply with the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA), Apple is loosening its grip on accessory support. The update enables "Notification Forwarding," allowing third-party smartwatches and wearables to receive system alerts, a function previously exclusive to the Apple Watch.
This feature can be enabled manually, user can go to Settings > Notification > Notification Forwarding and the select the device to receive alerts. Only one device can receive notifications at a time, and enabling this disables Apple Watch notifications.
Additionally, users in the EU will gain AirPods-style proximity pairing for non-Apple earbuds.
Damilare Odedina
Visual Updates
Customization gets a minor boost with a dedicated section for Weather wallpapers. Users can now select from three new dynamic preset options directly from the Lock Screen menu.
Upcoming Collections and Security
With February approaching, iOS 26.3 is expected to include Apple's 2026 Black Unity collection, featuring a new wallpaper and watch face for Black History Month.
Apple is also testing a "Background Security Improvement" feature designed to deliver rapid security patches for system items like Safari and WebKit independently of full iOS updates, though the current beta does not yet contain active fixes.
The current beta contains test builds only, so active fixes are not yet applied, but the system is designed to deliver real patches when released.
Availability
The update is compatible with the iPhone 11 series and newer. Apple is expected to release the final public version of iOS 26.3 at the end of January.
Ejiro Onose
