The next iOS version after iOS 26.2 is iOS 26.3. Apple is already testing it in beta, and it is expected to roll out as a regular Software Update once testing is finished.
iOS 26.3 looks like a smaller update, but it still brings a few important changes. The biggest one is a built-in way to move your data from iPhone to Android. In the EU, it also opens up more iPhone features to third-party earbuds and smartwatches due to Digital Markets Act rules.
A third change is in Messages: iOS 26.3 beta includes signs that Apple is preparing for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging, but this depends on carriers and is not confirmed for the final 26.3 release yet.
iOS 26.3 status right now
Apple has released iOS 26.3 beta 2 for developers, dated January 12, 2026 (build 23D5103d) on Apple’s developer releases page.
Many reporters expect iOS 26.3 to land in late January 2026, with January 26, 2026 often mentioned based on Apple’s recent “x.3” timing pattern. Apple has not confirmed the exact public release date.
Release date timeline for iOS 26.3
| Item | What we know | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Latest beta listed by Apple | iOS 26.3 beta 2 (23D5103d), dated Jan 12, 2026 | Apple Developer Releases |
| Public release date | Not announced | Apple has not posted a public date |
| Most likely window (based on past patterns) | Late Jan 2026 (often predicted Jan 26) | 9to5Mac, other reports |
List of new features in iOS 26.3
iOS 26.3 changes are not huge, but they target real pain points: switching to Android, better interoperability in the EU, and groundwork for more secure cross-platform messaging.
| Feature | Where available | Where you’ll see it | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transfer to Android | Worldwide | Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Transfer to Android | Wireless “phone next to phone” transfer |
| Notification Forwarding for third-party wearables | EU only | New Notification Forwarding setting | Part of DMA compliance |
| AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories | EU only | Pairing flow for supported earbuds/wearables | Part of DMA compliance |
| RCS encryption groundwork | Depends on carrier and rollout | Not a visible “feature switch” for most users yet | Hints in beta, not guaranteed in 26.3 |
| Weather wallpapers section | Worldwide | Lock Screen wallpaper gallery | New dedicated Weather area |
| Black Unity wallpaper (likely) | Worldwide | Wallpapers | Expected for Black History Month |
1) Transfer to Android
Apple is adding a built-in tool that lets you place your iPhone near an Android phone and wirelessly transfer common data. Apple’s reporting partners say you can move things like photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, and even your phone number.
Where to find it (beta and later public release):
- Settings
- General
- Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Transfer to Android
Items that reportedly do not transfer (based on early reports):
- Health data
- Bluetooth-paired devices
- Some protected items like locked notes
2) EU-only changes: third-party watch notifications and easier pairing
In the European Union, iOS 26.3 introduces two changes tied to Digital Markets Act interoperability requirements:
- Notification Forwarding so third-party smartwatches can receive iPhone notifications in a more complete way.
- Proximity pairing so third-party earbuds and accessories can pair more like AirPods.
One key limitation reported for notification forwarding is that it is designed as a one-device setup. If forwarding is active for a third-party wearable, your Apple Watch may not receive the same notifications in the usual way.
3) Messages: signs of encrypted RCS, but it is not confirmed yet
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the modern replacement for SMS. It supports features like read receipts and better media sharing. The security gap has been cross-platform encryption.
The GSMA’s RCS Universal Profile 3.0 includes specs for end-to-end encryption.
In iOS 26.3 beta 2, developers and researchers spotted references suggesting Apple is preparing carrier support for E2EE RCS, but carriers may need to enable it and it may not arrive immediately in the 26.3 public release.
4) Smaller changes: wallpapers and background security delivery tests
Two smaller changes showing up:
- A dedicated Weather section in the wallpaper gallery.
- Apple is testing “Background Security Improvement” delivery packages labeled like “iOS 26.3 (a)” and “iOS 26.3 (b)”, but reports say these test packages did not include actual fixes at the time they were noticed.
List of iPhones eligible for iOS 26.3?
iOS 26.3 should support the same devices as iOS 26. Apple’s iOS 26 compatibility list includes iPhones from the iPhone 11 series and newer, plus iPhone SE (2nd gen) and iPhone SE (3rd gen).
Supported device groups
| iPhone family | Included models (examples) |
|---|---|
| iPhone SE | SE (2nd gen), SE (3rd gen) |
| iPhone 11 to iPhone 14 | 11, 12, 13, 14 families |
| iPhone 15 to iPhone 17 | 15, 16, 17 families (including Pro models) |
| Newer models listed by Apple | Includes iPhone Air (as shown on Apple pages) |
How to get iOS 26.3
If you want the normal public update
When Apple releases iOS 26.3 publicly:
- Settings → General → Software Update
- Download and Install
If you want to try iOS 26.3 early (beta)
Before installing any beta, Apple strongly recommends making a backup.
Steps (public beta):
- Sign up on Apple Beta Software Program.
- On iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update
- Open Beta Updates, pick the iOS 26 Public Beta channel (name may vary)
- Download and install
If you later want to leave the beta: Apple explains how to uninstall iOS beta software, and notes that backups made on beta may not restore to older iOS versions.
FAQs
iOS 26.3 is the next version being tested after iOS 26.2. Apple lists iOS 26.3 beta builds in its developer releases.
Apple has not announced an official date. Many reports expect late January 2026, often pointing to January 26, 2026 based on past release timing patterns.
Reports say the new Transfer to Android setting is available worldwide in the iOS 26.3 beta.
These features are reported as EU-only changes tied to Digital Markets Act requirements.
Not confirmed. iOS 26.3 beta 2 includes signs Apple is preparing for it, and GSMA has defined E2EE in Universal Profile 3.0, but carrier support and rollout timing matter.
Betas can have bugs and app issues. Apple recommends backing up before installing beta software and guides uninstalling betas if needed.
