If you’ve been hankering for the next major iOS and iPadOS updates, they might be just around the corner.
Earlier this week, Apple released the iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 release candidate builds to both the public and developer testing communities. The updates do not feature many obvious changes. Most of them appear to be bug fixes and security updates.
The following changes are expected given what’s been seen with the beta builds:
Easier switching between Android and iPhone: iOS 26.3 brings support for easier iOS/Android switching made in collaboration with Google at the behest of the European Union. You can read more about that here.
Notification forwarding for third-party devices: Another EU-mandated change, Apple will allow for notifications to be forwarded to third-party devices, like smartwatches other than Apple Watch. There is a new Notification Forwarding section in Settings > Notifications
Limit precise location for carriers: A new option outlined in this support document will allow you to disable precise location finding for your carrier. It requires iOS 26.3 and a supporting carrier (EE or BT in the U.K., Boost Mobile in the U.S.). This has no impact on location for apps or the OS, it only applies to carrier location tracking, and changes it from precise (exact street address) to coarse (neighborhood).
If you want to test the iOS 26 beta releases but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:
- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device.
- Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
- In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.
- It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
If you have a developer account (you can easily create a free one if you’d like) and want to test the release candidate builds, follow these steps:
- Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap on Account.
- Sign in using your usual Apple ID.
If you’ve had a chance to try the iOS 26.3 or iPadOS 26.3 release candidate builds, please let us know about your experience in the comments.
Via Macworld, beta.apple.com, and developer.apple.com
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