Discover the Latest Features in iOS 26.3 Update

Taylor Keatsman

Published: February 11, 2026 7:58 PM ET

Discover the Latest Features in iOS 26.3 Update

Apple has launched the iOS 26.3 update, introducing a variety of new features aimed at enhancing user experience. While this update may not be as extensive as its predecessors, it still brings significant improvements. Below are the key highlights from the latest update.

New Transfer Tool for Android

A notable addition in iOS 26.3 is the streamlined transfer tool for users switching from an iPhone to an Android device. By simply placing their iPhones next to an Android smartphone, users can initiate a transfer process. This feature allows the movement of various types of data, including:

Photos
Messages
Notes
Apps
Passwords
Phone numbers

No third-party app is required, simplifying the transition. However, certain data types, such as health records, Bluetooth device connections, and locked notes, will not be transferred.

Weather Wallpaper Customization

The update also includes a new section dedicated to Weather wallpaper in the Lock Screen customization options. Previously combined with Astronomy wallpapers, Weather now stands alone. Users can choose from three pre-designed weather backgrounds, each featuring unique fonts and weather widgets.

Enhanced Privacy Features

Another core feature introduced is the option to limit precise location tracking. This setting is compatible with the C1 and C1X modems found in the iPhone 16e and the iPhone Air. With this feature enabled, mobile networks will only access broader location information, restricting them from pinpointing exact addresses. Currently, this is supported by:

Boost Mobile in the U.S.
EE and BT in the UK
Telekom in Germany
AIS and True in Thailand

Users can enable this feature by adjusting settings in the Mobile Data Options, requiring a device restart to take effect.

Upcoming Hardware Support

References to potential M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips were discovered in the iOS 26.3 release candidate. These chips are expected to be utilized in future Mac devices within the coming months.

Notification Forwarding Features – Europe Only

iOS 26.3 includes a beta version of a “Notification Forwarding” feature. This allows users to send notifications from their iPhones to third-party wearable devices, like Android smartwatches. However, this feature is currently limited to the European Union. Only one device can receive notifications at a time, meaning if this option is in use, the Apple Watch won’t be alerted.

Proximity Pairing for Third-Party Devices

Additionally, Apple has introduced Proximity Pairing, which simplifies the connection process for third-party devices. Users can now pair headphones and smartwatches by bringing them close to their iOS devices, mirroring the functionality of AirPods and Apple Watch.

Security Vulnerabilities Addressed

This latest update also prioritizes security by fixing multiple vulnerabilities. One critical issue involved the dyld dynamic link editor, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution. Other vulnerabilities were found across various services, necessitating immediate updates to protect user data.

How to Update to iOS 26.3

To update, navigate to the Settings app, select General, and then tap Software Update. iOS 26.3 is compatible with all iPhones supporting iOS 26, including the iPhone 11 and newer models.