iOS 26.3 is here: This change streamlines switching from iPhone to Android

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Now with a simpler way to transfer data between rival devices

iOS 26.3 beta updated iPhone wallpaper gallery
(Image credit: Future)

Apple has officially released iOS 26.3 to eligible iPhone owners. Apple beta-tested the latest update for a while, and now it's ready to go. The biggest feature coming is one that will benefit people looking to switch from iPhone to Android, as it makes data transfer easier.

Google and Apple have agreed to make switching between platforms less painful, which benefits consumers. Any time we see big companies work together to improve outcomes for the average phone owner, we're happy.

iOS 26.3 new features

As mentioned, the big new thing in this iOS version is the option to transfer your data to Android. Under the Settings app, you'll see an option titled Transfer to Android.

Once opened, you'll place your old iPhone next to your new Android phone, and it'll transfer apps, photos, messages, and the phone number. Rather than jumping through hoops and using third-party apps, this new method streamlines everything.

The new Android transfer option in iOS 26.3

(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

It's worth noting that health data, Bluetooth devices and other protected items won't transfer over, but it's still a big step in the right direction.

The other major update concerns how notifications work with third-party smartwatches. In the Settings app, you'll need to head to Notifications, and you will see an option to tweak whether notifications can be displayed on a non-Apple device.

Another minor change is that Weather wallpapers have their own dedicated section with three preset options.

Here are some other small changed discovered in the final update:

  • Support for encrypted RCS messages
  • Enhanced location privacy for newer Apple devices
  • Pairing non-Apple accessories faster and easier (EU only)

Where's the new Siri?

If you're waiting for iPhone to get its new Siri-powered brain, you'll have to wait until iOS 26.4, as this update doesn't feature the new AI-powered assistant. We don't have a release date for that version, but we've heard it could arrive in a few weeks.

How to get iOS 26.3

iOS 26.3 beta updated iPhone wallpaper gallery

(Image credit: Future)

If you want to update to iOS 26.3, you need to launch the Settings app on your iPhone, then tap General and finally tap Software Update.

From there, you can install the update. Of course, if you have Automatic Updates on, you don't need to do anything — just wait for the update to happen overnight. While not the most game-changing update for those sticking with their iPhone, it's always worth updating to get the latest security patches and other small features.

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Dave LeClair
Dave LeClair
Senior News Editor

Dave LeClair is the Senior News Editor for Tom's Guide, keeping his finger on the pulse of all things technology. He loves taking the complicated happenings in the tech world and explaining why they matter. Whether Apple is announcing the next big thing in the mobile space or a small startup advancing generative AI, Dave will apply his experience to help you figure out what's happening and why it's relevant to your life.

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