Apple has released iPadOS 26.3 Release Candidate (RC) for developers and beta testers, signaling that the 26.3 beta cycle is essentially finished. If this build holds up in testing, it should be the same version that rolls out to everyone in the public release.
So far, iPadOS 26.3 looks like a small update. Reports around the RC describe a quiet cycle with limited feature changes, which is also why Apple moved through the betas quickly this time.
A public release now looks likely for early next week, unless Apple finds a late-breaking issue that forces a second RC.
How to update to iPadOS 26.3 RC
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Software Update
- Tap Beta Updates and select iPadOS Developer Beta (or Public Beta if you are on that track)
- Go back to Software Update, then tap Update Now
Tip: The exact build number appears on the update screen while downloading, and you can also see it after installation in Settings > General > About.
Changes in iPadOS 26.3
iPadOS 26.3 appears to be focused on light polish rather than big additions. The main visible change reported so far is minor wallpaper updates, alongside the usual under-the-hood tuning you expect this late in a cycle.
Because this is an RC, the priority is typically fixing bugs and tightening performance before the public rollout. If you notice anything broken or inconsistent, this is the build Apple expects testers to flag before release.
With 26.3 wrapping up, attention is already shifting to iOS 26.4, which is expected to enter beta testing next month. Reporting tied to Apple’s AI roadmap also points to a February demo of a more capable Siri experience linked to the next wave of updates.
If you installed iPadOS 26.3 RC, share how it’s running for you. Let us know in the comments.
