iOS 26.3 Features: Everything New in iOS 26.3
Source: MacRumors
Apple released iOS 26.3 today. While it doesn’t have as many features as iOS 26.1 or iOS 26.2, there are still a few notable additions.
Transfer to Android
iOS 26.3 introduces a new transfer tool that lets an iPhone user place their device next to an Android device to initiate a transfer. Users can move photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone numbers, and more. The transfer occurs without needing a separate app, simplifying the process. A similar feature also works for transferring data from Android to iPhone, making it a two‑way solution.
Weather Wallpaper
A new Weather wallpaper section appears in the Lock Screen customization options. Previously, Weather and Astronomy shared a section; now Weather is its own category. Three pre‑designed Weather wallpapers are available, each with different fonts for the time and distinct weather widgets to showcase usage possibilities.
Limit Precise Location
iOS 26.3 adds a setting to limit carrier location tracking for carriers that support the feature. It works only with the C1 and C1X modems found in the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air. When enabled, carriers receive less precise location data—limited to the neighborhood rather than a specific street address.
- Supported carriers (as of now):
- United States: Boost Mobile
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- Germany: Telekom
- Thailand: AIS, True
To enable, open Settings → [Your Cellular Service] → Mobile Data Options and toggle Limit Precise Location. A device restart is required after changing the setting.
Signs of M5 Chips
The iOS 26.3 release candidate referenced unreleased M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, suggesting they could appear in upcoming Macs within the next month or two.
Notification Forwarding – EU Only
A beta feature called Notification Forwarding allows incoming iPhone notifications to be sent to a third‑party wearable (e.g., an Android smartwatch). The setting appears under Settings → Notifications → Notification Forwarding. Only one third‑party device can receive forwarded notifications at a time, which disables notifications on the Apple Watch while active. This feature, aimed at addressing antitrust concerns, is limited to the European Union and may be delayed until iOS 26.4.
Proximity Pairing – EU Only
In the same EU‑focused update, Apple added Proximity Pairing for third‑party wearables such as headphones and smartwatches, granting them functionality similar to AirPods and the Apple Watch. Details were shared by the European Commission.
Security Updates
iOS 26.3 patches dozens of security vulnerabilities, including a bug that was known to be actively exploited.
How to Update
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Select Software Update.
- Follow the on‑screen instructions to install iOS 26.3.
Compatibility
iOS 26.3 is available on all iPhones that support iOS 26, which includes the iPhone 11 and later models.
What’s Next
Apple is expected to release the first beta of iOS 26.4 in about two weeks.