Apple has rolled out iOS 26.3 beta 3 and iPadOS 26.3 beta 3 to developers, continuing preparations for a public release expected in early February. The latest betas focus on usability improvements, visual refinements, and regulatory-driven changes in the European Union.
Easier Android to iPhone switching
iOS 26.3 continues Apple’s efforts to simplify the move from Android to iPhone. This beta introduces further refinements to the setup and migration process, aimed at reducing friction during device onboarding. Apple has not detailed every change, but the goal is clear: faster setup and fewer obstacles for new iPhone users.
Wallpaper gallery refinements
Both iOS and iPadOS 26.3 include subtle updates to the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper galleries. These changes improve consistency and presentation across screen sizes, especially on iPad, where wallpapers scale differently depending on orientation and display class.
New EU notification support for third-party wearables
One of the more significant additions in iOS 26.3 affects users in the European Union. Apple is introducing notification support for third-party wearables, allowing non Apple devices to receive iPhone notifications more directly.
This change is widely seen as part of Apple’s compliance with EU digital market regulations. While the feature does not place third party wearables on equal footing with Apple Watch, it marks a meaningful shift in how iOS handles cross platform accessories.
Built on recent iOS and iPadOS updates
The beta follows the release of iOS and iPadOS 26.2 in December which brought expanded Liquid Glass customization, additional CarPlay options, and system wide performance improvements. iOS 26.2.1 was just released today and added support for the newly-launched AirTag 2. Version 26.3 builds on that foundation rather than introducing major new features.
Looking ahead to iOS and iPadOS 26.4
While iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 are shaping up as refinement focused updates, attention is already shifting to version 26.4, expected later this spring. Apple has confirmed that the long delayed Siri upgrade will arrive in that release, powered by Google’s Gemini models running through Apple’s Private Cloud Compute infrastructure.
We will continue monitoring upcoming betas for additional changes as Apple finalizes the iOS and iPadOS 26.3 release.
