iOS 26.3 Beta 1 Features: What’s New in Apple’s Upcoming Update

Apple has begun testing iOS 26.3, the next iteration of iOS 26, which is expected to launch around January. As this beta testing is taking place over the holidays, the update is smaller and includes fewer features compared to previous releases.

Simplified Transfer to Android

One of the standout additions in iOS 26.3 is a new tool that simplifies moving data from an ‌iPhone‌ to an Android device. Users can place their iPhone next to an Android smartphone to initiate the transfer process. With this feature, photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, phone numbers, and more can be transferred without using a separate app.

“Health data, devices paired with Bluetooth, and protected items like locked notes are not transferred over to the new device.” Google has introduced a similar feature for moving data from Android to ‌iPhone‌, creating a two-way process between the platforms.

Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables

iOS 26.3 introduces a new “Notification Forwarding” setting, allowing incoming notifications on an ‌iPhone‌ to be sent to a third-party wearable device, such as an Android smartwatch.

“The setting is located in the Notification section of the Settings app under a new ‘Notification Forwarding’ option.” Apple notes that notifications can only be forwarded to one device at a time, meaning that if this feature is enabled for a third-party wearable, the Apple Watch will not receive notifications. This change addresses antitrust complaints in the European Union, granting third-party wearables similar access to notifications as the Apple Watch.

Weather Wallpapers on Lock Screen

Apple has updated Lock Screen customization with a dedicated Weather wallpaper section. Previously, Weather and Astronomy were combined, but now Weather has its own category. Users can choose from three pre-designed Weather wallpapers, each featuring different fonts for the time and various weather widgets to enhance the display.

Additional Updates and Compatibility

Apple continues to refine iOS 26.3 with minor improvements and optimizations. The beta is available for all iPhones that support ‌iOS 26‌. The final public release is expected in late January.