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Apple Releases iOS 26.3 Update with New Features and EU Compliance Changes

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Apple Releases iOS 26.3 with Enhanced Android Transfer, Wallpaper Adjustments, and EU Features

Apple has officially rolled out iOS 26.3, marking the third major update to its operating system. This release brings a suite of new features, including enhanced content transfer for Android devices, modifications to wallpaper settings, and significant new functionalities tailored for users within the European Union.

The update introduces enhanced content transfer options for Android devices, modifications to wallpaper settings, and new functionalities for users in the European Union.

This release precedes a planned significant upgrade to Siri, which is anticipated in a future iOS version.

Release Information

iOS 26.3 is now available, following the earlier official releases of iOS 26.2 in December and iOS 26.2.1 in January. Notably, iOS 26.2.1 focused primarily on bug fixes.

Historically, Apple's x.3 updates have often been released approximately one week after Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Applying this pattern, a projected release date for iOS 26.3 was Monday, January 26. Participants in Apple's public beta program had access to iOS 26.3 even earlier.

Key Features Introduced in iOS 26.3

The iOS 26.3 update includes several new functionalities:

  • Android Transfer Option: A new setting, developed through a collaboration between Apple and Google, facilitates the transfer of content from an iPhone to an Android device. Google is simultaneously launching a similar feature for Android users transitioning to an iPhone.
  • Wallpaper Adjustments: The Weather section has been separated from Astronomy within the iPhone's wallpaper screen, and new Weather options have been added to the gallery.
  • Notification Forwarding for EU Users: Users within the European Union are now able to configure notification forwarding from their iPhone to non-Apple Watch wearables.
  • EU Compliance-Related Changes: Further modifications related to European Union regulations are anticipated or have been implemented as part of this update.
  • Location Limiting: For iPhones and iPads equipped with Apple C1 and C1X modems, a feature has been added that allows for limiting precise location when using cellular with specific service providers.

Context of Previous Updates

The preceding iOS 26.2 update, released in December, introduced new methods for modifying Liquid Glass design elements and additional customization options for CarPlay.

Future Developments

iOS 26.3 marks the final update before a planned significant enhancement to Siri. The subsequent version, iOS 26.4, is anticipated to be the first to incorporate this upgraded iteration of Siri. Apple and Google had previously announced their intention to integrate Gemini as the underlying technology for the improved Siri and Apple Intelligence. The initial beta for iOS 26.4 is projected for release during the last week of February.