Apple has released iOS 26.3 beta 1 to registered developers, and the update brings modest system level improvements rather than visual changes. The company is clearly refining the platform after iOS 26.2, which was released last week to the public. Thursday’s new beta version introduces two major features that you should be looking forward to.
iOS 26.3 Beta Introduces Smarter Notification Forwarding For Third-Party Wearables
One of the headline features in iOS 26.3 beta 1 is a new Notification Forwarding option found within the Notifications section of the Settings app. This allows users to forward iPhone notifications to a single third-party device, such as a non-Apple wearable. Users can choose to forward all notifications or limit forwarding to specific apps based on their preferences.
When notification forwarding is enabled, alerts may stop appearing on the Apple Watch to avoid duplication, which makes sense as the platform does not support multiple devices. This shows that the company is finally giving in, as it offers more flexibility for users who rely on devices outside of the walled garden.
From a broader perspective, this change is also in line with increasing regulatory pressure, particularly in the EU. Interoperability requirements under laws like the Digital Markets Act are pushing platform holders to open up core system functions, and notification forwarding fits directly into that direction.
Native iPhone To Android Transfer Tool Arrives
The second major update in iOS 26.3 beta 1 is a native iPhone to Android transfer tool, which will make it easier for users to move data directly to an Android device without relying on third-party apps. The transfer process uses proximity-based pairing over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and can be initiated using a QR code or a custom pairing code.
Supported data includes photos, messages, contacts, notes, apps, and passwords, while sensitive items such as Health data and Bluetooth pairings are excluded for privacy-related concerns. Some of the key highlights include:
- Direct iPhone to Android transfer without external apps
- Wireless pairing using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi
- Support for essential personal data
What This Update Signals For iOS
Both of these features show how Apple is prioritizing practicality, compliance, and flexibility for users, which is why it is pushing iOS 26 to users who still haven’t updated from iOS 18. Apple’s next year’s iS 27 update will be minor in comparison to iOS 26, as it will focus on making the platform more stable rather than adding a plethora of front-facing changes.
Compared to earlier iOS updates that focused on design or exclusive features, iOS 26.3 takes a more grounded approach. The update reduces barriers for users while allowing Apple to maintain strong privacy controls, setting a more flexible tone for the future of iOS.
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