Apple iOS 26.3 Release Candidate Arrives: New Features and Launch Date Confirmed

BERLIN, 06 February 2026 — Apple has officially moved into the final stages of its latest software cycle, seeding the Release Candidate (RC) of iOS 26.3 to developers and public beta testers this week. As the third major update to the iOS 26 operating system—which debuted last year alongside the iPhone 17 series—this version focuses on cross-platform interoperability, European Union regulatory compliance, and hints at upcoming high-end hardware.

Release Date: When to Expect iOS 26.3

Following the distribution of the Release Candidate on Wednesday, 4 February, industry analysts and internal build trackers have narrowed down the public launch window. Apple typically releases the final version of its software exactly one week after the RC build.

Users should mark Wednesday, 11 February 2026, on their calendars as the most likely date for the global rollout. This update arrives as a critical fix for users currently on iOS 26.2, which has been the subject of community reports regarding app stability and performance regressions.

Key Features in iOS 26.3

The 26.3 cycle is more than a maintenance patch; it introduces several functional shifts, particularly for users in the European market and those transitioning between hardware ecosystems.

1. Simplified iPhone-to-Android Transfers

In a significant move toward digital portability, iOS 26.3 introduces a native, more reliable data transfer tool. This feature simplifies the process of moving contacts, photos, and messages to Android devices, responding to long-standing requests for better cross-platform flexibility.

2. Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables

Specifically for users in the EU, iOS 26.3 unlocks the ability to forward system notifications to third-party smartwatches and accessories. Previously restricted to the Apple Watch ecosystem, this change allows devices from manufacturers like Garmin or Samsung to interact more deeply with the iPhone’s notification engine.

3. Proximity-Based Pairing for Third-Party Accessories

Apple is expanding its “magic pairing” experience. New APIs in iOS 26.3 allow third-party earbuds and headphones to trigger the same proximity-based setup pop-ups that were previously exclusive to AirPods and Beats products.

4. Carrier-Level RCS Encryption

Building on the RCS support introduced in earlier versions of iOS 26, this update adds support for carrier-level encryption standards, ensuring that Rich Communication Services (RCS) chats between iPhone and Android users remain secure at the network level.

Hardware Leaks: M5 Max and M5 Ultra

The code within the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate has provided a glimpse into Apple’s 2026 hardware roadmap. Developers have discovered identifiers for two unreleased silicon chips, widely believed to be the M5 Max and M5 Ultra. These chips are expected to power a refreshed MacBook Pro lineup and a new Mac Studio, potentially launching as early as late February to coincide with the stability provided by the 26.3 firmware.

Supported Devices

As a reminder, iOS 26 requires the Apple A13 Bionic chip or newer. The following devices are compatible with the upcoming 26.3 update:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will iOS 26.3 fix the bugs in iOS 26.2?

Yes. Beta testers have reported that iOS 26.3 addresses several “Liquid Glass” UI glitches and app-crashing bugs that were prevalent in the 26.2.1 incremental update. Performance is described as significantly smoother in the RC build.

What is the “iPhone 17e” mentioned in recent rumors?

Supply chain reports suggest a mid-cycle “iPhone 17e” may launch on 19 February 2026. This device is expected to ship with iOS 26.3 pre-installed, serving as a new entry-point for the 17-series lineup.

Is the new AI Siri included in this update?

While iOS 26.3 improves Apple Intelligence stability, the major “AI Revamp” for Siri is currently rumored for iOS 26.4, which is expected to enter developer beta testing shortly after the public release of 26.3.