Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3
Source: MacRumors
Wednesday, February 11 2026 · 10:07 am PST
by Juli Clover
iOS 26.3 & iPadOS 26.3 Released
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that launched in September. The new software arrives almost two months after Apple’s previous release of iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2.
The updates can be downloaded over‑the‑air on eligible iPhones and iPads via Settings > General > Software Update.
What’s New (and What Isn’t)
Unadvertised Android‑to‑iPhone Transfer Tool
- A new tool lets users transfer data from an Android device to an Apple device during the setup process.
- Supported data types: photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone numbers, and more.
- Apple has not highlighted this feature, likely because it makes switching platforms easier.
Context: In December, the European Union cited this tool as a success story of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires interoperability to prevent lock‑in. Apple and Google rolled the feature out globally rather than limiting it to the EU.
Carrier‑Location‑Tracking Limitation
- iOS 26.3 adds a setting to limit carrier precise‑location tracking.
- Currently available only on a handful of carriers:
| Region | Carrier(s) |
|---|---|
| United States | Boost Mobile |
| United Kingdom | EE, BT |
| Germany | Telekom |
| Thailand | AIS, True |
- The feature works on devices equipped with C1 or C1X modems.
Europe‑Only Wearable Enhancements (Beta)
- Proximity pairing – third‑party headphones, smartwatches, and other wearables can pair with an iPhone or iPad with a single tap, similar to AirPods.
- Richer notifications – third‑party watches can receive full‑screen notifications that are viewable and interactive. Enabling notifications on a third‑party watch disables them on the Apple Watch.
These changes were present in the iOS 26.3 beta but may be removed from the final release; they could return in a future update.
Overall Assessment
- The release is primarily a bug‑fix and security update with a few EU‑driven features.
- No major consumer‑facing changes are expected until iOS 26.4, whose first beta may arrive later this month.
References
- iOS 26 roundup
- iPadOS 26 roundup
- iOS 26.2 & iPadOS 26.2 release (Dec 12 2025)
- EU credit for the transfer tool
- Limit carrier location tracking
- Europe‑only wearables changes
Stay tuned for more updates as Apple continues to roll out iOS 26.4.
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