Apple is gearing up to release iOS 26.3, the next incremental software update for iPhone users that builds on the iOS 26 experience already on millions of devices. This update doesn’t overhaul the system, but it adds a handful of practical features and quality-of-life improvements designed to make everyday tasks easier, enhance device transfer options, and expand notification flexibility.

The update is currently in beta testing and is expected to roll out to all users in late January 2026. 

What’s New in iOS 26.3

Easier Data Transfer Between iPhone and Android

One of the headline additions in iOS 26.3 is a new transfer tool that helps users move data when switching from an iPhone to an Android device. This feature can move contacts, photos, messages, and certain app data over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reducing the friction of changing mobile platforms. 

Some categories of data such as health records and secure app data are still excluded and might need manual export. 

Notification Forwarding to Other Devices

iOS 26.3 introduces a notification forwarding capability, allowing iPhone alerts to be sent to a single non-Apple device such as a compatible smartwatch. This expands notification flexibility for users who don’t rely solely on Apple Watch for alerts.

In practice, this means you could see text messages, app alerts, and reminders on a third-party wearable — although watchOS and Apple Watch alerts remain prioritized when an Apple Watch is connected.

Updated Wallpaper Gallery

The wallpaper experience gets a subtle refresh in iOS 26.3 too. The Weather and Astronomy wallpaper categories have been split out into separate sections, and the Weather group now includes multiple live weather-based wallpapers that reflect real conditions on the lock screen.

These small design tweaks make it easier to find and apply new lock screen visuals.

Release Timeline

Based on Apple’s typical schedule for .3 releases, iOS 26.3 is expected to reach all users around January 26, 2026, though the exact date could shift slightly. Joining Apple’s public beta program lets adventurous users test features ahead of the full rollout.

Early betas show this update is relatively light on major changes, but it focuses on refinement and useful cross-platform functionality.