Apple’s iOS 26.3 release candidate reveals what’s coming to iPhones

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New Delhi: Apple has officially started rolling out the release candidate (RC) build of the upcoming latest iOS 26.3 upgrade to developers and public beta testers, suggesting that the software is nearing its official release for the eligible iPhones. The latest iOS 26.3 RC build is expected to be the final version and incorporates all of the features that were unveiled throughout the iOS 26.3 beta cycle. Upcoming iOS 26.3 is expected to include updates to the wallpaper gallery, a tool for transitioning from an iPhone to an Android device, notification forwarding features on third-party accessories and much more.

Apple has released some of the changes across the earlier iOS 26.3 beta builds, which provide a glimpse at what users can expect from the upcoming upgrade:

Transfer from iPhone to Android

As seen in the developer beta, iOS 26.3 may add support for a smoother iOS-to-Android switching experience. The feature is reported to let users place their iPhone near an Android device to start the transfer. After the two devices are connected, users can select data such as photos, messages, notes, applications, passwords, contacts, and more to move across.

New weather wallpaper

Apple has also refreshed the iPhone wallpaper gallery by adding a dedicated weather section. First iOS 26.3 beta comes with the three latest weather wallpapers, all of which have retained the live feature that reflects the real-time weather conditions based on the user’s current location.

Third-party access

This latest update might bring the newest interface designed to meet upcoming EU rules that will require Apple to allow those third-party devices to access the iPhone notifications. Despite Apple’s concerns over privacy and security, the latest update is expected to add the Notification Forwarding option under Settings > Notifications, letting users select a third-party accessory to receive forwarded alerts, one device at a time.

Limit Precise Location

Apple has also announced that the iPhone using its in-house modem, including the iPhone 16e and iPhone Air, will be receiving the latest Limit precise location option with iOS 26.3. This setting reduces the amount of location data shared with the mobile networks to improve privacy.

RCS end-to-end encryption

Apple is upgrading iOS 26.3 to end-to-end encryption support for RCS messages in the Messages application. At the same time, Apple has not confirmed whether iOS 26.3 will allow the features.

App Store ad design

Apple might come up with the latest look for sponsored App Store search results. The familiar blue background used to highlight ads appears to be removed, making promoted listings resemble organic results more closely. Apple has not yet confirmed whether the change will roll out more widely.

Now let’s see which iPhone will get this latest iOS 26.03 RC build update: