Apple has launched iOS 26.3 to most of the people, delivering a comparatively modest replace that focuses extra on polish and infrastructure than any flashy new options. The replace follows final week’s launch candidate, which generally indicators that Apple is making ready to push its newest software program extra broadly.
Somewhat than a serious overhaul, iOS 26.3 provides help for expanded RCS messaging options, introduces a brand new device for switching from an iPhone to Android, allows notification forwarding to third-party units, and rolls out a number of smaller privateness and interface tweaks.
This is what you can begin utilizing proper now with iOS 26.3.
Finish-to-end encrypted RCS messaging help
iOS 26.3 provides help for end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging in Apple’s Messages app, increasing the privateness protections accessible when texting Android customers. The replace consists of new provider bundle help tied to encrypted RCS, a change that surfaced forward of launch within the iOS 26.3 beta.
References to a brand new “SupportsE2EE” key appeared in provider bundles for a number of wi-fi suppliers, signaling Apple’s readiness to help encrypted RCS messaging on the system stage. Whereas the characteristic is now a part of iOS 26.3, its availability relies on whether or not particular person carriers have enabled the encrypted RCS customary on their networks.
AppleInsider beforehand reported that early help appeared in provider bundles supplied by a number of French carriers, suggesting the rollout might differ by area. Even with iOS 26.3 put in, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging will not be enabled till a provider turns it on.
Simpler to switch from iPhone to Android
One other change in iOS 26.3 is a straightforward approach to switch your information from an iPhone to an Android machine.
Should you’ve thought of switching from iPhone to Android, you’ll have been deterred by the switch course of. Android affords a five-step process to make this change straightforward, however some steps embrace making ready your machine by turning off FaceTime and Messages, and connecting each units with a cable.Â
In iOS 26.3, a brand new choice allows you to join your iPhone and Android units.Â
Go to Settings > Common > Switch or Reset iPhone. Close to the underside of this web page is an choice referred to as Switch to Android. Faucet this and comply with the on-screen directions to switch images, messages, apps and extra to your Android machine. This characteristic allows you to place your iPhone close to a suitable Android machine and wirelessly switch a variety of knowledge, together with images, messages, contacts and extra — no third-party software program required.
Notification forwarding to third-party units
iOS 26.3 additionally consists of Apple’s new notification forwarding characteristic, which permits iPhone notifications to be despatched to 1 different machine at a time, like a non-Apple smartwatch. The choice first appeared in the course of the iOS 26.3 beta cycle, was eliminated, and is now a part of the general public launch.
“Notifications could be forwarded to 1 accent at a time,” Apple wrote within the menu’s description. “Notifications won’t seem on Apple Watch whereas Notification Forwarding is turned on.”
The characteristic is proscribed to forwarding notifications to 1 machine and is barely accessible in areas throughout Europe for now. Apple has not stated whether or not the characteristic will probably be accessible within the US or broaden to help a number of equipment or further units in a future iOS replace.
You will not see this menu within the newest iOS 26.3 beta.
One other privateness management that limits what your cellphone shares
The newest replace additionally expands privateness choices with a brand new Limit Precise Location setting that limits how exactly your location is shared with mobile networks, supplying you with extra management over what information carriers obtain.Â
When enabled (Settings > Mobile/Mobile Information Choices), your provider might solely see broad location data (like your neighborhood relatively than your actual road deal with), and emergency providers comparable to 911 nonetheless operate usually. The characteristic is barely accessible on the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e for now, and is supported by solely Increase Cellular within the US.
Along with location controls, Apple has made small interface refinements within the privateness part of the Settings app, making it simpler to grasp and handle privacy-related choices comparable to app permissions and information sharing. These tweaks are refined, however assist floor privateness trusts with out a few of the litter.
New wallpapers and visible updates, together with Climate and Astronomy
iOS 26.3 refreshes the iPhone’s wallpaper choices with expanded classes and new presets. The replace splits sections like Climate and Astronomy into devoted rows within the wallpaper gallery, making it simpler to browse and apply wallpapers tailor-made to particular kinds. The Climate part now consists of a number of dwell weather-based wallpapers that mirror native situations with up to date fonts and widget layouts.
These are a number of of the brand new options you can begin utilizing with the general public launch of iOS 26.3. There are additionally loads of smaller interface tweaks and under-the-hood adjustments that will not draw a lot consideration, however are supposed to offer you a barely smoother iPhone expertise.
For extra iOS information, here is every thing you must find out about iOS 26.2, the brand new options that have been included in iOS 26.1 and my review of iOS 26. You may also try our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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