The latest update for iOS 26 has two big changes hiding inside — and both make it easier to interact with non-Apple products.
It's taken a little time for beta users to figure out what's new in the iOS 26.3 beta, which first arrived yesterday. But we now know that the most significant change is the addition of an easier method of switching to Android phones (via AppleInsider).
We had already heard about Apple and Google uniting to make swapping between iOS and Android simpler, and that the system is present (although not fully functional) in a recent beta version of Android. So it only makes sense that it's Apple's turn to hold up the bargain.
iOS 26.3's Transfer or Reset iPhone settings now include a specific "Transfer to Android" option, which works wirelessly via WiFi and Bluetooth. You can either scan a QR code or input a numerical code to pair the two phones.
With the connection established, you can send over standard data types like your phone number, images and apps. Health data, Bluetooth pairings and locked notes are not included, though, the tool's help text warns.
Forward thinking
The other change worth knowing about is the addition of an option to forward your iPhone's notifications to a third-party wearable.
Under the Notifications section of the Settings app, you can now select a single accessory to receive Notification Forwarding from your iPhone, so you can see all your messages and other pings on your wrist even if you don't own an Apple Watch. In fact, it's best if you don't own an Apple Watch, as notification forwarding disables Apple Watch notifications.
More changes could be hiding within the iOS 26.3 beta, but have yet to be found, so stay tuned. A public beta version of this update, and the eventual stable version for all eligible iPhones, will likely arrive early next year.
So if you're an iPhone owner hoping to get a new Android phone or non-Apple Watch update for Christmas, it might be worth holding off on setting it up. The iOS 26.3 update could make your life much easier.
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