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6d ago

Apple Opens iOS 26.3 Public Beta With Cross‑Platform Tools as Security Update Path Draws Scrutiny

Public testing spotlights new interoperability features, signaling a push toward iOS 26 for current security protection.

Image
Screenshot of an iOS update notification. It shows 'iOS 26.2, 1.64 GB' with text about enhancements to Apple Music, Podcasts, and Games, plus bug fixes and security updates. Includes a link: 'https://support.apple.com/100100.'
iOS 26.3 is currently in beta.
It's here.

Overview

  • Apple released the first iOS 26.3 public beta via the Apple Beta Software Programme, with a wider rollout expected in late January or early February 2026.
  • A built‑in iPhone‑to‑Android transfer tool in the beta moves photos, messages, notes, apps, and other data by placing devices side by side, with exclusions such as health data and password‑protected notes.
  • Notification Forwarding lets iPhone alerts be redirected to one third‑party wearable at a time, including Android‑based smartwatches, with EU‑only availability reported for now.
  • Lock Screen customization now separates Weather into its own category and adds new live Weather wallpapers and designs.
  • Following iOS 26.2’s critical patches for two actively exploited WebKit flaws, reports say many iPhones still on iOS 18 are not seeing the iOS 18.7.3 security update, a public‑beta opt‑in may surface it, and Apple has stopped signing iOS 26.1 to block downgrades.