Apple has released iOS 26.3 to the general publicdelivering a relatively modest update that focuses more on polish and infrastructure than any flashy new features. The update follows last week's release candidatewhich typically signals that Apple is preparing to push its latest software more broadly.
Rather than a major overhauliOS 26.3 introduces a new tool for switching from an iPhone to Androida privacy control that limits that your phones sharesminor updates to wallpapers and several interface tweaks.
Here's what you can start using right now with iOS 26.3.
Easier to transfer from iPhone to Android
Another change in iOS 26.3 is an easy way to transfer your data from an iPhone to an Android device.
If you've considered switching from iPhone to Androidyou may have been deterred by the transfer process. Android offers a five-step process to make this switch easybut some steps include preparing your device by turning off FaceTime and Messagesand connecting both devices with a cable.
In iOS 26.3a new option lets you connect your iPhone and Android devices.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Near the bottom of this page is an option called Transfer to Android. Tap this and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer photosmessagesapps and more to your Android device. This feature lets you place your iPhone near a compatible Android device and wirelessly transfer a range of dataincluding photosmessagescontacts and more -- no third-party software required.
Another privacy control that limits what your phone shares
The latest update also expands privacy options with a new Limit Precise Location setting that limits how precisely your location is shared with cellular networksgiving you more control over what data carriers receive.
When enabled (Settings > Cellular/Cellular Data Options)your carrier may only see broad location information (like your neighborhood rather than your exact street address)and emergency services such as 911 still function normally. The feature is only available on the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e for nowand is supported by only Boost Mobile in the US.
In addition to location controlsApple has made small interface refinements in the privacy section of the Settings appmaking it easier to understand and manage privacy-related options such as app permissions and data sharing. These tweaks are subtlebut help surface privacy trusts without some of the clutter.
New wallpapers and visual updatesincluding Weather and Astronomy
iOS 26.3 refreshes the iPhone's wallpaper options with expanded categories and new presets. The update splits sections like Weather and Astronomy into dedicated rows in the wallpaper gallerymaking it easier to browse and apply wallpapers tailored to specific s. The Weather section now includes multiple live weather-based wallpapers that reflect local conditions with updated fonts and widget layouts.
Those are a few of the new features you can start using with the public release of iOS 26.3. There are also plenty of smaller interface tweaks and under-the-hood changes that won't draw much attentionbut are meant to give you a slightly smoother iPhone experience.
What Apple is still working on
Apple is also laying groundwork for features that aren't publicly available yet. During the iOS 26.3 developer beta cycleApple exposed early support for third-party accessory notification forwarding and outside developers spotted references in iOS 26.3's code tied to carrier infrastructurewhich sparked speculation around future support for encrypted RCS messaging. These changes allow developers and partners to begin building support into accessories and carrier systemsbut neither feature is enabled for users in the public release of iOS 26.3. We expect these features to roll out in a later update.
For more iOS newshere's everything you should know about iOS 26.2the new features that were included in iOS 26.1 and my review of iOS 26. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.