An Apple beta release usually follows a software update, so a few days after iOS 26.2 launched last week, Apple introduced the first iOS 26.3 developer beta today (December 15). There’s few details about the contents of the new software, but it’s largely expected this will be a maintenance upgrade to fine-tune Apple’s iPhone software ahead of a bigger iOS 26.4 release.
Expected in the spring, iOS 26.4 is rumored to be the iOS version that introduces a much smarter incarnation of Siri, powered by Apple Intelligence. Nevertheless, the new iOS 26.3 version could introduce some new capabilities along with the usual round of tweaks and bug fixes to existing features.
One possibility could be the addition of new features already promised by Apple and Google aimed at making it easier to move between iOS and Android devices.
It’s unclear if iOS 26.3 will match the level of improvements introduced in the just-launched iOS 26.2. That update introduced tweaks to CarPlay, more Liquid Glass customization, urgent Alarm reminders and more.
Apple’s usual method of software updates is to follow up a developer beta with one for participants in its public beta program. While timing is unclear, an iOS 26.3 public beta would likely arrive before the end of the month. You wouldn’t expect a full iOS 26.3 release to be ready until 2026, though.
Stay tuned as we update and explore the latest iOS 26 release for any changes or new features.
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