After months of beta testing, Apple has released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 to the general public. This is a point update to iOS 26/iPadOS 26 that mainly focuses on stability improvements and bug fixes, but there are a few new features, as well.
The highlight of the update is the new Transfer to Android tool, which makes switching from iPhone to Android smoother. The tool allows transferring photos, messages, apps, phone numbers, and more to a nearby compatible Android device. However, health data, Bluetooth-paired devices, and other protected items are not transferable. This is a refreshing addition, since Apple hasn’t been very supportive when it comes to its users switching to the rival platform until now.
The iOS 26/iPadOS 26 update also brings the Limit Precise Location feature. This is a new privacy option that limits sharing precise location data with your mobile carrier over cellular networks. However, this feature is only available on devices with Apple"s C1 or C1X modem chips (iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, and iPad M5) and supported carriers. So, the majority of iPhone users won’t have access to it.
RCS messages in Apple’s Messages app are now end-to-end encrypted. iPhone users texting Android users will finally see their messages fully protected, as carriers, Google, Apple, or anyone else from the outside won’t have any way to access them.
Additional minor tweaks include new wallpapers, redesigned elements in Apple Music, bug fixes, and security updates. Apple hasn’t specified which bugs were tackled in this release.
Apple also released a few EU-specific/DMA compliance features. This includes support for proximity pairing with third-party devices and notification forwarding to non-Apple smartwatches.
Taking all the new features into account, we can say that iOS 26.3/iPadOS 26.3 is all about making Apple devices more compatible with third parties. That’s something you don’t exactly see every day.
To update your iPhone/iPad to iOS 26.3/iPadOS 26.3, go to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone/iPad.
Even with the mentioned additions, iOS 26.3/iPadOS 26.3 is a relatively modest update. We expect much bigger changes (like major Siri upgrades) to arrive in the upcoming .4 update.