iOS 26.3 release date update, full list of eligible iPhones, new features and upgrades, how to download

 

Apple is setting up the stage to launch the iOS 26.3 stable update soon in the market. As of now, we already have an idea of the features that will be introduced in the update with the public beta rollouts. The update will focus more on offering things that Apple missed out on in iOS 26.2. Moving forward, let's have a look at all the details of iOS 26.3 that have leaked online like release date, eligible devices, features, and a lot more.

iOS 26.3 Release Date

The iOS 26.3 operating system by Apple for iPhones will make a global debut by the first week of February 2026. According to our speculation, the stable update will be released around February 6, 2026. Talking about the current scenario, you can get a glimpse of what the iOS 26.3 update is bringing by getting the public beta variant of the same by registering for it.

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iOS 26.3 Full List of Eligible Devices

iPhone 17

iPhone 17 Pro

iPhone 17 Pro Max

iPhone Air

iPhone 16e

iPhone 16

iPhone 16 Plus

iPhone 16 Pro

iPhone 16 Pro Max

iPhone 15

iPhone 15 Plus

iPhone 15 Pro

iPhone 15 Pro Max

iPhone 14

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPhone 13

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone 12

iPhone 12 mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 11

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2nd gen)

iPhone SE (3rd gen)

Apple iOS 26.3 Features

One of the best and most important upgrades that we will get to see in iOS 26.3 is improved iPhone to Android transfer compatibility in terms of contacts, photos, and more. In addition, the update will also bring weather-based live wallpapers that will change according to different regions and weather conditions. And yes, users will also be able to forward notifications to non Apple devices like smartwatches and more.

As of January 20, 2026, Apple is in the final stages of beta testing for iOS 26.3. While the update isn't out for the general public today, its release is imminent.

Here is the full breakdown of the release timeline, features, and eligible devices based on the current beta versions.

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1. Expected Release Date

Historically, Apple releases the ".3" update in the last week of January.

• Most Likely Date: Monday, January 26, 2026.

• Current Status: Public Beta 2 and Developer Beta 2 are currently available for testers.

2. Full List of Eligible iPhones

iOS 26 dropped support for models older than the iPhone 11. If you are running iOS 26.0 right now, you are eligible for 26.3.

• iPhone 17 Series: 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 17 Slim/Air

• iPhone 16 Series: 16, 16 Plus, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 16e

• iPhone 15 Series: 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max¹²

• iPhone 14 Series: 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max³⁴

• iPhone 13 Series: 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max⁵⁶

• iPhone 12 Series: 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max⁷⁸

• iPhone 11 Series: 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max⁹¹⁰

• iPho¹¹ne SE: 2nd Generation¹² (2020) and 3rd Generation (2022)

Note: Apple Intelligence features (AI) remain exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and newer models.

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3. New Features and Upgrades

iOS 26.3 focuses heavily on cross-platform interoperability and regulatory compliance.

• iPhone-to-Android Transfer Tool: A new native system in Settings > General that allows for a seamless, wireless move of photos, messages, and contacts to an Android device without third-party apps.

• Encrypted RCS Messaging: The update includes the "SupportsE2EE" code, paving the way for end-to-end encryption when texting Android users, finally bringing iMessage-level security to green bubbles.

• Notification Forwarding (EU Only): To comply with the Digital Markets Act, EU users can now forward notifications to non-Apple smartwatches and wearables.

• Wallpaper Gallery Refresh: A reorganized "Weather & Astronomy" section and the new 2026 Black Unity wallpaper for Black History Month.

• Offline Lyrics: Apple Music now allows you to download lyrics for offline viewing.

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4. How to Download (Beta or Final)

To get the Public Beta today:

1. Sign up at the Apple Beta Software Program.

2. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

3. Tap Beta Updates and select iOS 26 Public Beta.

4. Return to the main update screen and tap Download and Install.

   
   
   

To get the Official Release (next week):

1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Ensure "Automatic Updates" are on, or wait for the notification that iOS 26.3 is available.

3. Tap Update Now.

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Would you like me to guide you through the specific steps to back up your iPhone to iCloud before you install the beta?

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