iOS 26.3 is rolling out now. Here’s everything new to expect on your iPhone

Apple has released iOS 26.3 to the general public, offering a relatively modest update that focuses more on improvements and infrastructure than any flashy new features. The update follows last week’s release candidate, which typically signals that Apple is preparing to push its latest software more widely.

Instead of a complete overhaul, iOS 26.3 adds expanded software support RCS messages Features: It introduces a new tool for switching from iPhone to Android, enables forwarding of notifications to third-party devices, and introduces several privacy tweaks and a smaller interface.

Here’s what you can start using now with iOS 26.3.

Support end-to-end encrypted RCS messages

iOS 26.3 adds support for end-to-end encrypted RCS messages in Apple’s Messages app, expanding the privacy protections available when sending text messages for Android users. The update includes new support for carrier bundles associated with encrypted RCS, a change that appeared before launch in the iOS 26.3 beta.

References to the new “SupportsE2EE” key have appeared in carrier packages for multiple wireless providers, indicating Apple’s willingness to support encryption. RCS messages At the system level. Although the feature is now part of iOS 26.3, its availability depends on whether individual carriers have enabled the encrypted RCS standard on their networks.

AppleInsider Early support has previously been reported to appear in carrier packages offered by several French carriers, suggesting that the rollout may vary by region. Even with iOS 26.3 installed, end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging will not be enabled until your carrier turns it on.

Easier to transfer from iPhone to Android

Another change in iOS 26.3 is an easy way to transfer your data from iPhone to Android device.

If you have considered Switching from iPhone to Androidyou may have been deterred by the transfer process. Android offers a Five-step process To make this switch easier, however, some steps include setting up your device by turning off FaceTime and Messages, and connecting both devices with a cable.

In iOS 26.3, there’s a new option that lets you connect your iPhone and Android devices.

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Near the bottom of this page there is an option called Transfer to Android. Click this and follow the on-screen instructions to transfer photos, messages, apps and more to your Android device. This feature allows you to place your iPhone near a compatible Android device and wirelessly transfer a range of data, including photos, messages, contacts, and more – without the need for external software.

Forward notifications to third-party devices

iOS 26.3 also includes Apple’s new notification forwarding feature, which allows iPhone notifications to be sent to one other device at a time, such as a non-Apple smartwatch. The option first appeared during the iOS 26.3 beta cycle, was removed and is now part of the public release.

“Notifications can be redirected to one extension at a time,” Apple wrote in the menu description. “Notifications will not appear on Apple Watch while notification forwarding is turned on.”

The feature is limited to forwarding notifications to a single device and is only available in regions across Europe at the moment. Apple did not say whether the feature will be available in the United States or will expand to support multiple accessories or additional devices in a future iOS update.

Another privacy control limits what your phone shares

The latest update also expands privacy options with a new feature Determine the exact location A setting that limits the accuracy of sharing your location with cellular networks, giving you more control over what data carriers receive.

When enabled (Settings > Cellular/cellular data options), your carrier may only see general location information (such as your neighborhood rather than your specific street address), and emergency services like 911 can still function normally. The feature is only available on the iPhone Air and iPhone 16e at the moment, and is only supported by Boost Mobile in the US.

In addition to the location controls, Apple has made small interface improvements to the Privacy section of the Settings app, making it easier to understand and manage privacy-related options like app permissions and data sharing. These adjustments are subtle, but they help show privacy relationships without getting a little messy.

New wallpapers and visual updates, including weather and astronomy

iOS 26.3 updates iPhone wallpaper options with expanded categories and new presets. The update divides sections like weather and astronomy into custom rows in the wallpaper gallery, making it easier to browse and apply custom wallpapers for specific styles. The Weather section now includes several weather-based live wallpapers that reflect local conditions with updated fonts and widget layouts.

These are some of the new features you can start using with the public release of iOS 26.3. There are also a lot of smaller interface tweaks and changes under the hood that won’t attract a lot of attention, but are intended to give you a slightly smoother iPhone experience.

For more iOS news, here’s everything you should know iOS 26.2-New features included in iOS 26.1 and My review of iOS 26. You can also check our website iOS 26 cheat sheet.