Following the release of iOS 16.2 on Friday, December 12, the first beta release of iOS 26.3 was made available to developers a few days later, on December 15. We expect a final release to the public sometime in late January or early February. This is reportedly the last minor refresh before iOS 26.4 brings the revamped Siri upgrade we’ve waited over a year to get.
iOS 26.3 beta: What’s new
We don’t yet know what new features and changes to expect in iOS 26.3. We’ll update this section as we learn more.
Easier switching between Android and iPhone: We expect iOS 26.3 will ship with support for an easier iOS/Android switching system made in collaboration with Google, and at the behest of the European Union. You can read more about that here.
iOS 26.3 beta: How to install the public beta
If you want to test the iOS 26 beta releases but are not a registered developer, follow these steps:
- Click Sign Up on the Apple Beta page and register with your Apple ID.
- Log in to the Beta Software Program.
- Click Enroll your iOS device.
- Open the Settings app, tap General, then Software Update.
- In the Beta Updates section, select the iOS Public Beta.
It may take a few moments after registering for the beta option to appear in Software Update.
iOS 26.3 beta: How to install the developer beta
You’ll need to be registered as an Apple developer, but a free developer account will do. You can get one via Xcode or the Apple Developer app in iOS. Here’s how to do it via the Apple Developer app:
- Download the Apple Developer App from the App Store.
- Open the app.
- Tap on Account.
- Sign in using your usual Apple ID.
Find out everything you need to know about iOS 26 in our iOS 26 superguide.