iOS 26.3 Brings Transfer to Android and More Privacy Controls

Key Highlights

  • Apple releases iOS 26.3 with new interoperability tools focused on working better with non‑Apple devices.
  • Transfer to Android feature makes switching from iPhone to Android easier, moving photos, messages, and more.
  • Notification forwarding now lets iPhones send alerts to third‑party accessories like Wear OS smartwatches.
  • Limit precise location toggle enhances privacy by reducing how accurately cellular networks can track user locations.

Apple has launched iOS 26.3, bringing a set of features designed to play better with non-Apple devices. The update focuses on interoperability, easier switching to Android, and enhanced privacy tools—alongside routine security patches and bug fixes.

What’s the headline addition in iOS 26.3?

The biggest talking point is the new Transfer to Android feature. It allows you to move “photos, messages, notes, apps, and more” from your iPhone to an Android handset, plus your phone number. Sensitive data like Health app info and Bluetooth pairings, however, stay put.

This function taps into AppMigrationKit, introduced with iOS 26.1, and works only if the receiving Android phone supports Google’s Data Transfer API (added in Android 16’s QPR2 update). That means early adopters will mostly be using it on Pixel devices until other Android phones get the upgrade.

Can your iPhone talk to a Wear OS smartwatch now?

Yes—at least in some regions like the EU. The new notification forwarding setting lets your iPhone send alerts to compatible third-party accessories, such as Google’s Wear OS watches. It works similarly to Apple Watch notifications but can only be forwarded to one device at a time. Choosing a Wear OS watch means you can’t send the same alerts to an Apple Watch.

Who gets the new privacy toggle?

Selective and carrier-limited, the new limit precise location toggle aims to make your cellular location less exact when shared with networks. Right now, it’s only available in the US on Boost Mobile and works with devices using Apple’s C1 and C1X modems—like the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and M5 iPad Pro. iPhone 17 models and older phones with Qualcomm or Intel modems miss out.

Other OS updates

Alongside iOS 26.3, Apple also released iPadOS 26.3, macOS 26.3 Tahoe, watchOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3, and HomePod OS 26.3—mostly bug fixes and performance improvements. Testers spotted signs of upcoming M5 Max and M5 Ultra Mac chips.

What’s next?

The 26.4 updates are expected to debut Apple’s delayed “more intelligent Siri”, powered by Google’s Gemini AI models.

Conclusion

With iOS 26.3, Apple is quietly lowering the walls around its ecosystem—whether it’s making it easier to move to Android, share notifications beyond Apple Watch, or guard your location privacy. Early adopters may benefit most, but the shift marks a gradual change in Apple’s cross-platform strategy.

71 Views