Apple released for iPhone users everywhere this week. The update focuses heavily on interoperability between iPhone and Android devices, privacy and more. Here are all the new features in iOS 26.3.
Updated on February 12, 2026 with release information.
New features of iOS 26.3
Android Transfer
The big change in iOS 26.3 is a new “Transfer to Android” system, which makes it easier for an iPhone user to switch to an Android device. This new system was developed as part of a joint cooperation between Apple and Google.
of Latest Android beta adds a similar system for switching from Android to iPhone. The goal is to improve the interoperability between the two platforms.
“Place your Android device next to this iPhone to connect and start the transfer process,” Apple explains in the Settings app. Once the two devices are connected, the iPhone user can wirelessly transfer photos, messages, notes, apps and more to their new Android device.
The system also transfers the user’s phone number to the new device.
Apple notes, however, that sensitive information such as health data, Bluetooth devices, locked notes, and more are not transferred to the Android device as part of this process.
Apple and Google, however, say that new data types will be added as they continue the testing process on both platforms.
Limit sharing of location data
iOS 26.3 includes a new privacy feature: “restrict exact location.” In a support document, Apple says this allows you to “restrict certain information that mobile networks can use to determine your location.”
For example, your mobile carrier may only be able to determine the neighborhood where your device is located, rather than a specific address.
To use this new feature, you’ll need:
- iPhone Air, iPhone 16e or iPad Pro (M5) Wi-Fi + Cellular
- iOS 26.3 or later
- A supported operator:
- Germany: Telekom
- United Kingdom: EE, BT
- United States: Boost Mobile
- Thailand: AIS, true
You can find the new key by opening the Settings app, tapping Cellular, and tapping Cellular Data Options.
More EU features
In addition to the new Notification Forwarding feature, EU confirmed that iOS 26.3 includes these changes:
- AirPods-like proximity pairing for third-party accessories: More information
- New NFC features for using an iPhone to initiate connected devices without an iPhone present: More information
- High-bandwidth Wi-Fi connection for peer use: More information
- This is what is also used to power the new Android-iPhone switching features.
In a statement to 9 to 5 MacThe European Union addressed these new features:
New opportunities have been brought to European users as a result of the DMA’s implementation work. The Commission welcomes the updates presented by Apple.
Developers can now test interoperability with two new features that are the subject of last March’s specification decision for interoperability of iOS-connected devices (such as smartwatches, headphones, or TVs). The features released by Apple in the beta version of iOS 26.3 are expected to be fully available in Europe during 2026.
DMA creates new opportunities for developers to bring innovative products and services to market in Europe.
This is another step towards a more interconnected digital ecosystem for the benefit of all EU citizens.
iOS 26.3 beta versions also included a Notification Forwarding feature, which allowed third-party devices to display notifications sent by the iPhone. However, this option is not in the final released version of iOS 26.3.
Wallpapers
Apple has done some minor changes in the wallpapers menu on iPhone with iOS 26.3. Previously, there was a single category for weather and astronomy wallpapers. In iOS 26.3, this category is split into two individual sections.
The actual wallpapers here are the same. The difference is that Apple has added some new pre-built wallpapers to the Weather category. As always, weather wallpapers display “live weather conditions for your current location”. Astronomy wallpapers show you the current astronomical positioning of the earth or the Solar System.
Security fixes
Finally, iOS 26.3 has fixes for more than 35 security vulnerabilities. At least one of these vulnerabilities has been exploited in the wild, Apple says.
iOS 26.3 ends
As you can see, iOS 26.3 is a smaller update than iOS 26.2. However, there are some nice changes for iPhone users.
Have you noticed anything new in iOS 26.3? If so, let us know in the comments. You can update it by going to the Settings app, selecting General, and then selecting Software Update.
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