Katarzyna Petru
Apple has released the iOS 26.3 update, which primarily focuses on improving bugs and security, but new features have emerged that clearly go beyond the previous philosophy of a closed ecosystem. The biggest novelty is the easier transfer of data from iPhone to Android. There is also support for forwarding notifications to third-party devices and new options related to location privacy. The update does not bring visual revolution, but changes Apple’s approach to interoperability. This is a step that may have more strategic significance than technical.
Easier migration to Android
The most notable change is the “transfer to Android” feature, allowing users to migrate photos, messages, notes, apps, and phone numbers to an Android smartphone. However, Apple does not allow the export of sensitive data, such as information from the Health app or Bluetooth pairing details. The mechanism is based on the AppMigrationKit framework, which enables apps to export and import data between platforms. On the Android side, support for the Data Transfer API in Android 16 is required, meaning the availability of the feature also depends on device manufacturers.
Notifications are going outside the Apple ecosystem
A new feature, particularly significant in the context of EU regulations, is “notification forwarding”. This function allows notifications from an iPhone to be sent to third-party accessories, including Wear OS watches from Google. The user can choose which applications are allowed to send alerts to external devices. Currently, however, the system only permits notifications to be forwarded to one device at a time, which excludes the simultaneous use of the Apple Watch.
New location privacy option
Selected models have introduced a switch “limit precise location”, which restricts the accuracy of location data sent to the mobile operator. This feature works on devices with Apple C1 and C1X modems, such as iPhone Air or iPhone 16e. In the USA, it is currently only supported by the Boost Mobile network. Older models with Qualcomm or Intel modems do not offer this option.
Rest of the systems with no major changes
Updates to macOS 26 Tahoe, watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3 and HomePod software mainly focus on stability and performance improvements. Beta versions indicate future support for the M5 Max and M5 Ultra chips, which may herald new Mac computers. Bigger changes are expected to come in iOS 26.4, where the debut of a new Siri based on the Gemini models is anticipated.
iOS 26.3 is a calm update in terms of visuals, but significant strategically. Apple is starting to clearly open its system to collaboration with devices outside its own ecosystem, making it easier to migrate to Android and integrate with accessories from other manufacturers. This is a signal that interoperability is becoming just as important as control over the platform. Bigger new features will likely come with the next version of the system.
source: apple
