Apple has pushed the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate (RC), signaling that the beta cycle is essentially finished and the public rollout is close. The RC is the near-final build Apple ships when it believes the update is ready, unless late testing turns up a serious bug.
If you are already on the iOS 26.3 beta track, this update should show up as a standard over-the-air download in Software Update. If you are not on the beta track, you will not see the RC, but you should see the public iOS 26.3 release soon after this final testing window.
How to install iOS 26.3 RC
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- If you see iOS 26.3 RC, tap Download and Install
- Enter your passcode, accept the terms, and keep your iPhone connected to power
If you do not see the update right away, make sure you are enrolled in the iOS beta program and that Beta Updates is enabled for your Apple ID on that device.
Changes in iOS 26.3
Transfer to Android
iOS 26.3 adds a built-in option designed to make switching from iPhone to Android less painful. Apple says the transfer flow can start during Android setup, and it supports moving items like photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, and more.
Notification Forwarding in the EU
In the European Union, iOS 26.3 includes a Notification Forwarding setting that enables better support for third-party wearables. This ties into broader changes Apple has been making in response to EU rules.
Weather wallpaper tweaks
Apple also made smaller, more visual adjustments, including minor changes tied to the Weather wallpaper experience.
iOS 26.4 and the next Siri wave
With the iOS 26.3 RC out, the next big step is iOS 26.4 betas. Reporting over the past couple of weeks has pointed to a Siri update story that keeps building, including a possible Gemini-related Siri preview or demo later in February 2026.
If you installed iOS 26.3 RC, share your build number and any changes you notice. Let us know in the comments.
