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Apple Releases First iOS 26.3 Public Beta for eligible iPhones

The latest public beta brings a new Transfer to Android option, Notification Forwarding and more

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by Ajaay Srinivasan
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illustration of iOS 26.3 in front of a colourful gradient background

Image Credit: Beebom Gadgets

Summary

  • Apple has rolled out the first public beta update of iOS 26.3 for eligible iPhones.
  • It brings a new Transfer to Android feature inside the Settings app to make it easier for users to switch to an Android phone.
  • The iOS 26.3 public beta also adds new wallpapers inside the Weather section, as well as Notification Forwarding for EU users.

It has been less than a week since Apple rolled out the iOS 26.2 update for everyone, and now the company has released the first public beta version of iOS 26.3 for eligible iPhones. The latest beta brings minor changes to the Settings app, and here's everything you need to know. 

The latest public beta comes just two days after iOS 26.3 beta 1 was shipped for developers using iOS 26-supported devices. The biggest change here is the addition of the Transfer to Android option inside the Settings app. This feature comes as part of a collaboration between Apple and Google to make it easier for users to switch between Android and iPhone. 

iPhone screenshot showing the iOS 26.3 update screen
iPhone screenshot showing the iOS 26.3 update screen

Transfer to Android will be accessible inside SettingsGeneral > Transfer or Reset iPhone alongside the options to reset and erase an iPhone. This way, users will no longer need to use Apple's Move to iOS or Google's Android Switch apps to transfer photos, messages and apps between two phones. 

Besides this, iOS 26.3 public beta has also brought minor changes to the Wallpapers screen. Instead of the "Weather & Astronomy" section, the screen now shows two separate sections for Weather and Astronomy. The former also now has three wallpaper styles with different fonts and widget positions. 

Lastly, there's a Notification Forwarding feature that's available for users in the EU. This allows an iPhone to forward notifications to third-party wearables. iOS 26.3 public beta is available on iPhone 11 and newer models for users enrolled in the Public Beta programme.

Eligible users can update to the latest public beta by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Update Now. Alongside iOS 26.3, Apple has also released the public betas for iPadOS 26.3, macOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3 and visionOS 26.3. 

Ajaay Srinivasan profile picture
Ajaay Srinivasan

Guides Editor

Expertise :

Ajaay's love affair with technology started young, with the Nokia N-Gage piquing his interest. Since 2016, he's channeled his passion for tech into crafting explainers and guides on iOS, macOS, Android, social media, privacy & cybersecurity, and AI. When it's time to unplug, Ajaay enjoys playing EAFC, unwinding to music on a pair of open-backs, building his dream audiophile gear, or watching Arsenal struggle to keep a clean sheet.

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