iOS 26.3 brings Android switching, third-party watch support, and new privacy controls

iOS 26

• iOS 26.3 beta adds Transfer to Android for easier data migration between devices
• New privacy feature limits carriers' ability to pinpoint user location
• iPhone alerts can now appear on third-party wearables in the EU.

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Apple has rolled out the third beta of iOS 26.3 for iPhone users, and the update makes it clear where the company’s priorities lie right now. Rather than adding flashy new features, iOS 26.3 focuses on interoperability with Android devices, support for third-party wearables, and regulatory compliance in the European Union, alongside a handful of smaller refinements.

The most notable addition is a new Transfer to Android system that simplifies the process of switching from an iPhone to an Android phone. Developed in collaboration with Google, the feature allows users to move data wirelessly by placing the two devices next to each other and following on-screen instructions in the Settings app. Once connected, users can transfer photos, messages, notes, apps, and other everyday data to their new Android device. The system also migrates the user’s phone number as part of the process, removing one of the more painful steps involved in switching platforms.

Apple notes that some data types are excluded for now. Health data, Bluetooth device pairings, locked notes, and certain sensitive information are not transferred as part of the initial rollout. Both Apple and Google say additional data categories will be supported as testing continues on both platforms. The latest Android beta includes a similar tool for switching in the opposite direction, signalling a rare moment of cooperation aimed at reducing friction between the two ecosystems.

Another key change in iOS 26.3 is a new privacy feature that limits how precisely cellular networks can determine a user’s location. Apple calls this Limit precise location, and says it allows users to restrict the information carriers use to estimate where a device is. In practice, this could mean a carrier can identify the general neighbourhood rather than a specific address. The feature is currently limited to newer hardware and select carriers, including Telekom in Germany, EE and BT in the UK, Boost Mobile in the US, and AIS and True in Thailand. Users can enable it by navigating to Settings, Cellular, and then Cellular Data Options.

iOS 26.3 also introduces Notification Forwarding, a system that allows iPhone notifications to appear on a third-party smartwatch or other wearable. Only one accessory can receive forwarded notifications at a time, and notifications will not appear on Apple Watch while the feature is enabled. The option is available in the Notifications section of the Settings app. For now, Notification Forwarding is limited to the European Union, where Apple is preparing to comply with Digital Markets Act requirements that mandate broader access for third-party devices. Apple has previously argued that such changes could weaken user privacy, but is moving ahead to meet regulatory obligations.

Beyond notification forwarding, the EU build of iOS 26.3 includes several other platform-level changes. These include proximity pairing for third-party accessories similar to the AirPods experience, new NFC capabilities that allow an iPhone to initiate connections with devices without remaining present, and high-bandwidth peer-to-peer Wi-Fi connections. The latter also underpins the new Android to iPhone switching experience.

Outside of system-level features, Apple has made small tweaks to the wallpapers interface. The combined Weather and Astronomy category has been split into two separate sections. While the existing wallpapers remain unchanged, Apple has added a few new pre-built Weather options that display live conditions for the user’s location, while Astronomy continues to visualise the Earth and Solar System in real time.

Apple is expected to release iOS 26.3 publicly in late January or early February, based on previous release timelines. While it is a smaller update compared to iOS 26.2, iOS 26.3 reflects a broader shift. Apple is gradually opening parts of its ecosystem, not by choice in every case, but in response to regulation and changing user expectations around interoperability.