Apple Releases iOS 26.3 With Official Android Transfer Tool and 37 Security Patches

Apple releases iOS 26.3

Apple released iOS 26.3 for compatible iPhones on Wednesday. The update follows nearly two months of beta testing.

While not a major feature release, it includes a few notable changes and 37 security patches.

Easier switching from iPhone to Android

The most significant new feature is an official “Transfer to Android” option. It’s located in the “Transfer or Reset iPhone” settings menu.

When selected, it instructs you to place your iPhone near an Android device to transfer data. Apple worked directly with Google on this feature, which will also allow transfers from Android to iPhone.

The tool can move data like photos, messages, notes, and apps. However, it will not transfer:

• Health data
• Paired Bluetooth devices
• “Protected items” like locked notes

A limited location privacy feature

iOS 26.3 introduces a “Limit Precise Location” feature for cellular networks. It reduces the exactness of location data shared with your carrier.

Instead of a precise address, the network would only know your general neighborhood. This feature is currently extremely limited.

It only works for Boost Mobile users in the U.S. on specific devices, including the iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, and iPad Pro M5 Wi-Fi + Cellular.

Small wallpaper and security updates

Apple has separated the “Weather” and “Astronomy” categories into their own wallpaper sections. The Weather section now offers three preset wallpapers with different font and widget options.

The update also bundles critical security fixes. Apple’s notes detail patches for 37 vulnerabilities.

The most critical patch fixes an issue with dyld, Apple’s Dynamic Link Editor. Apple says this may have been exploited in a “sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.”

Other important security patches address vulnerabilities in:

• Photos: Could allow access to photos from the Lock Screen.
• Screenshots: Could let an attacker see deleted notes.
• UIKit: Could allow screenshots of sensitive data during iPhone Mirroring.
• VoiceOver: Could expose information when the iPhone is locked.

EU features that didn't make the cut

A “Notification Forwarding” feature, tested in the iOS 26.3 beta, did not ship with the official release. It was only ever visible to users in the European Union.

The description indicated notifications could be forwarded to one device at a time, and would not appear on an Apple Watch while forwarded. Its absence suggests the feature isn’t ready for prime time.

However, EU users did get one new feature. iOS 26.3 allows pairing third-party accessories by bringing them close to the iPhone, similar to AirPods pairing. Developers must add support to their devices for this to work.