Hands-on: iOS 26.3 changes and features [Video]
Source: 9to5Mac
Apple just released the final version of iOS 26.3 to the public. While it isn’t packed with new features, there are some notable additions worth exploring.
What’s new in iOS 26.3?
Transfer to Android
As part of a joint effort between Apple and Google to make switching between the two platforms easier, Apple is launching Transfer to Android in iOS 26.3. The feature, found in Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Transfer to Android, lets users transfer photos, messages, apps, and even phone numbers to a nearby device running the required version of Android Canary.
High‑bandwidth Wi‑Fi connection
iOS 26.3 includes several EU‑mandated updates, including support for high‑bandwidth Wi‑Fi for peer‑to‑peer use. This new network connectivity powers the Transfer to Android feature.
Proximity pairing for third‑party devices
Another EU‑mandated feature adds the ability to proximity‑pair third‑party devices, similar to how AirPods pair with an iPhone or iPad. In EU countries, third‑party headphones and other devices will have a more even playing field for initial setup and ease of use.
Notification forwarding
A controversial EU‑mandated change introduces Notification forwarding to third‑party devices. Previously, iOS notifications could only be forwarded to Apple hardware (e.g., Apple Watch). With iOS 26.3, users can receive notifications on competing smartwatches and other devices.
Caveat: Only one device can receive notifications at a time, meaning forwarding to a third‑party device disables notifications on Apple Watch. Privacy concerns arise because forwarded notifications may contain messages, emails, medical information, etc., and could be accessed by companies that even Apple cannot see.
Limit precise location
For devices with Apple‑made cellular modems (e.g., iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, M5 iPad Pro), the new Limit precise location feature reduces the granularity of location data shared with cellular networks. Currently, it’s limited to specific carriers such as Boost Mobile in the US.
Wallpaper configuration tweaks
The wallpaper gallery now has separate sections for Weather and Astronomy, with weather gaining a couple of pre‑configured wallpaper layouts.
Video: iOS 26.3 changes and features
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9to5Mac’s Take
iOS 26.3 is not a feature‑filled update, but the additions—especially the EU‑mandated ones—are worth knowing about. More importantly, the release of iOS 26.3 means the upcoming iOS 26.4 beta 1, featuring a Gemini‑assisted Siri update, is close at hand.
What are your thoughts on the iOS 26.3 update? Sound off in the comments.