Apple Releases iOS 26.3 Public Beta 3 With Expanded Features for iPhone and Apple Devices
CUPERTINO, Calif. — Apple this week released the third public beta of its iOS 26.3 operating system, giving enrolled testers an early look at forthcoming features and refinements ahead of the update’s anticipated general release later this month or in early February.
The company also rolled out companion public beta builds for iPadOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, and tvOS 26.3, extending the test cycle across multiple device categories. Any Apple user enrolled in the Apple Beta Software Program can download and install the updates directly via the Settings app’s Software Update interface.
New Tools and Enhancements
One of the headline features in the iOS 26.3 beta series is an enhanced tool designed to simplify the process of transitioning from an Android device to an iPhone. The transfer feature allows users to move photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone numbers and more as part of the initial device setup — all without needing an external app.
The update also includes support for the second-generation Apple AirTag, bringing Precision Finding and related integration to Apple Watch hardware, and a setting to enable notification forwarding to third-party wearables within the European Union.
In addition to these visible improvements, the build features refinements aimed at under-the-hood stability and performance, in line with Apple’s typical approach for point releases in the “.3” cycle of its mobile operating systems.
What Testers Are Seeing
Beta participants have reported that iOS 26.3 focuses more on polish and refinement than major new capabilities — a common pattern for incremental updates — and offers subtle changes such as tweaks to wallpapers and interface elements.
Though the current beta does not include Apple’s highly anticipated Siri overhaul — expected in the subsequent iOS 26.4 release — watchers see the latest build as a key milestone toward finalizing the broader iOS 26.3 experience for all supported iPhone users.
Broader Beta Cycle Context
The iOS 26.3 beta cycle has unfolded steadily since December, when Apple began seeding the first test builds to developers before rolling them out to the public. This iterative process of releasing beta updates helps Apple identify bugs, gather user feedback, and refine functionality before issuing a stable release to millions of users worldwide.
Public beta programs have become an increasingly important part of Apple’s software strategy, enabling both casual users and more technical participants to preview new features while providing real-world testing data.
What’s Next
Analysts expect Apple to wrap up the iOS 26.3 beta period soon, with a general availability launch likely arriving as early as late January or in the first weeks of February.
Once officially released, iOS 26.3 will be available to all compatible iPhone models currently running iOS 26, adding incremental improvements on top of the major design and feature updates introduced earlier in the year.
