iOS 26.3: These new features Apple has in the pipeline
The improved Siri may still have to wait, but there are better Android transfers and other goodies. An overview of iOS 26.3.
iOS 26, here the Liquid Glass look.
(Image: Apple)
After iOS 26.2, iOS 26.3 logically follows, and Apple is currently preparing the update. The second developer beta was released this week and shows the direction the update will take. Apple continues to work on functions, the user interface, and compatibility – and is implementing changes required by the European Commission thanks to the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Notifications to third-party watches
iOS 26.3 introduces the ability to forward notifications to third-party devices. This particularly refers to smartwatches. So far, this is only possible to a limited extent for Bluetooth notifications; only the Apple Watch receives full access, including reply options. Apple had previously expressed concerns about data protection but could not legally prevail here.
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It is already clear that it will not be possible to send notifications to multiple devices. If notification forwarding is active, no more notifications will be sent to the Apple Watch. Also new: Headphones from third-party manufacturers – not just AirPods and Beats products – can be more easily paired with the iPhone via proximity detection. This should also apply to other accessories, such as smartwatches. Both features are initially only active in the EU.
New Siri still missing
However, a new way to switch between iPhone and Android devices will likely be implemented worldwide. You can then place both devices next to each other to transfer tools like photos, messages, notes, apps, and more. Google and Apple worked together on this. Also new are minor adjustments to the user interface, the readability of which remains under criticism after the launch of Liquid Glass. There are new weather backgrounds and presumably new designs for Black History Month in the USA. Apple also recently tested the Background Security Improvements feature, which is intended to bring updates to devices faster.
It is not expected that Apple will already bring the long-awaited (and postponed) improved Siri with iOS 26.3. This is more likely to be expected from iOS 26.4, possibly in April. Apple announced this week that it intends to rely on Google's Gemini AI model. Apparently, it considers its foundation models to be too weak.
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