Apple's iOS 26.3 beta introduces enhanced interoperability with Android devices through a new transfer system, adds notification forwarding for third-party smartwatches limited to the EU, and includes new EU-specific features like proximity pairing and NFC updates, along with minor wallpaper changes. The full release is expected in late January 2026.
Apple's upcoming iOS 26.3 beta introduces features to simplify transferring data from iPhone to Android devices and forwarding notifications to non-Apple smartwatches, enhancing cross-platform compatibility. These features are currently available to developers and beta testers and are expected to be released to the public in early 2026.
Apple is testing iOS 26.3 with new features including a simplified transfer tool for Android, Notification Forwarding to third-party wearables in the EU, a dedicated Weather wallpaper section, and ongoing leaks about future iOS versions and Apple devices. The update is expected in late January and aims to improve cross-platform data transfer and notification management.
Apple has released the first beta of iOS 26.3, introducing two key features: notification forwarding to third-party devices like smartwatches, and a new data transfer process to Android devices developed in partnership with Google. These features aim to enhance device interoperability, with the update currently available for beta testers and potential for additional features in future beta releases.
The iOS 26.3 beta introduces a new Notification Forwarding feature that complies with EU regulations, allowing third-party devices to receive notifications from iPhones, but with privacy considerations and limitations such as supporting only one accessory at a time.
iOS 26.3 introduces a new feature allowing users to forward notifications to third-party wearable devices, enhancing integration and user experience with non-Apple wearables.
Apple released the first beta of iOS 26.3, expected in late Jan/early Feb, featuring easier Android switching and notification forwarding for third-party devices, with the major Siri upgrade expected in iOS 26.4.
iOS 26.1 beta hints at Apple working towards supporting third-party smartwatches through features like Notification Forwarding and easier accessory pairing, although these may be limited to certain regions like the EU and might be introduced in a future update.