iOS 26.3 Beta: Just days after Apple rolled out iOS 16.2 on Friday, December 12, the company has already pushed out the first developer beta of iOS 26.3. The beta became available on December 15, giving developers an early look at what’s coming next for iPhone users.
While this update may seem minor at first glance, iOS 26.3 is expected to play an important role in Apple’s update roadmap. The final public version is likely to be released sometime in late January or early February. More importantly, this is reportedly the last small update before iOS 26.4, which is expected to introduce the major Siri overhaul Apple users have been waiting for for over a year.
iOS 26.3 Beta: What’s New So Far
As of now, Apple hasn’t revealed a complete list of changes in iOS 26.3, and the beta does not introduce any flashy headline features. That said, a few meaningful updates have already been spotted, especially those influenced by new regulations in the European Union. More features are expected to surface as testing continues, and this section is likely to expand in future beta releases.
Easier Switching Between Android and iPhone
One of the most notable additions in iOS 26.3 is improved support for switching between Android and iPhone. This change is part of a collaboration between Apple and Google, driven by European Union requirements aimed at improving user choice and platform interoperability.
The update is designed to make it simpler for users to move their data when switching from Android to iOS, reducing friction for those changing ecosystems. While Apple hasn’t shared full technical details yet, the move signals a shift toward smoother cross-platform transitions.
Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Devices
Another EU-mandated change arriving with iOS 26.3 is notification forwarding to third-party devices. Until now, iPhone notifications were tightly integrated with Apple’s own ecosystem, particularly the Apple Watch.
With iOS 26.3, Apple will allow notifications to be forwarded to non-Apple smartwatches and other third-party devices. A new Notification Forwarding option has been added under Settings > Notifications, giving users more flexibility in how and where they receive alerts.
This change could be especially useful for users who rely on wearables outside Apple’s ecosystem.
iOS 26.3 Beta: How to Install the Public Beta
If you’re interested in testing iOS 26 beta updates but are not a registered Apple developer, you can still try the public beta by following these steps:
- Visit the Apple Beta Software Program website and click Sign Up
- Register using your Apple ID
- Log in and select Enroll your iOS device
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone
- Go to General > Software Update
- Tap on Beta Updates
- Select iOS Public Beta
After signing up, it may take a few minutes for the beta option to appear in the Software Update section.
iOS 26.3 Beta: How to Install the Developer Beta
For users who want access to the earliest builds, the developer beta is also available. You’ll need an Apple developer account, but a free developer account is enough to get started. You can register using Xcode or the Apple Developer app on iOS.
Here’s how to install the developer beta using the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store
- Open the app
- Tap on Account
- Sign in using your Apple ID
Once signed in, the developer beta option should appear under Settings > General > Software Update.
What’s Next for iOS 26
While iOS 26.3 focuses on smaller refinements and regulatory changes, attention is already shifting to iOS 26.4. That update is expected to deliver the long-delayed Siri revamp, which Apple has hinted at for over a year.
For now, iOS 26.3 serves as a bridge update, polishing the experience and laying the groundwork for bigger changes ahead.
If you want a deeper dive into everything Apple has planned, Apple’s iOS 26 superguide covers all known features, changes, and upcoming updates in one place.
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