Simply three days after Apple launched iOS 26.2 to iPhones in every single place, the corporate is again at it with a brand new replace. iOS 26.3 is official, although just for beta testers. These courageous sufficient to put in Apple’s unfinished software program on their gadgets will not discover an replace packed to the brim with new options and adjustments, however they are going to come upon two key new options. The factor is, we already knew each of them had been on the best way.

This is not the tip all be all for the replace, nonetheless: Since iOS 26.3 is so new, it is potential testers will uncover further options hidden inside the replace. As well as, Apple might add new adjustments in subsequent beta variations. I will proceed to replace this text to replicate any new options that reveal themselves, however, till then, listed below are the 2 new options we learn about.

Notification forwarding

Again in September, we realized that Apple was quietly engaged on some kind of notification forwarding function, however apart from that fundamental performance, the small print had been left to hypothesis. On the time, the frequent assumption was that Apple meant the function for use to ahead notifications to third-party gadgets, particularly smartwatches, in an try to open up the platform to wearables apart from the Apple Watch. This would not be Apple’s alternative, in fact—left to its personal gadgets, the corporate would hold as many options locked to Apple gadgets as potential. As a substitute, the motivation would come from the EU, which has compelled Apple to make its platforms extra cooperative with third-party gadgets.

After three months, we are actually getting our first official take a look at this function. On this first iOS 26.3 beta, there’s now a “Notification Forwarding” possibility in Notification settings. Whereas the choice is not stay right now, Apple does have an outline for the way the function works, saying that notifications will be forwarded to 1 machine at a time. Importantly, the outline says that when notifications are forwarded to a different machine, they won’t seem in your Apple Watch. Is that limitation actually essential, Apple?

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Switch to Android

Information of iOS 26.3’s second function just isn’t fairly so previous. Actually, we solely realized about it final week. Because it occurs, Apple is working instantly with Google on an official solution to make transferring between an iPhone and an Android machine extra seamless.

As of final week, Google had already rolled out its first take a look at of the function to Android Canary, however it was nowhere to be present in Apple’s betas. Now, we all know what to anticipate: In iOS’ “Switch or Reset iPhone” settings, there’s now a brand new “Switch to Android” possibility. Right here, iOS instructs you to put your iPhone close to your Android machine, the place you’ll be able to select to go alongside information like pictures, messages, notes, and apps. Nevertheless, it appears not all information will switch: Well being information, gadgets paired with Bluetooth, and “protected gadgets” like locked notes is not going to come together with this switch function.

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Watch out for working betas in your iPhone

This is not the flashiest beta Apple has ever shipped, however it’s potential to put in proper now. Each the developer and public betas are actually accessible, which implies anybody can enroll their machine in Apple’s beta program to present 26.3 a strive.

Nevertheless, know the dangers earlier than you do. Unfinished software program may include bugs and glitches that might impression your expertise utilizing your iPhone. If the software program is especially glitchy, you would lose information when downgrading again to iOS 26.2. In the event you do determine to put in the beta, make a whole backup of your iPhone to a Mac or PC earlier than you do.