iOS 26.3 Beta 3 is Out! - What's New?

Apple has released iOS 26.3 beta 3 and a suite of other OS betas, introducing minor feature updates and performance refinements, alongside new AirTags and a Black Unity band.

• iOS 26.3 beta 3 launched alongside broader Apple OS betas and iOS 26.2.1 public release.

• Updates include a new modem, location privacy for weather wallpaper, and preparing for future features like RCS encryption.

• The beta offers smooth performance and improved battery life, emphasizing system refinement.

Apple released iOS 26.3 beta 3 to developers, an unusually swift release after the public launch of iOS 26.2.1. This beta brings subtle changes, including a new modem update, privacy enhancements for location services and wallpaper, and preparation for future features like RCS encryption. Overall, the update focuses on refinement and smooth performance, with notable improvements in battery life reported.

iOS 26.3 Beta Release

• 00:00:02 Apple released iOS 26.3 beta 3 for developers, with a public beta expected shortly. This update, sized at 1.04GB on iPhone 17 Pro Max, was part of a broader rollout that included iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, HomePod OS, visionOS, and watchOS 26.3 beta 3. The release pattern is unusual, as it coincided with a public release of iOS 26.2.1, which also provided updates for devices as old as iOS 12.

New Features and Changes

• 00:01:25 iOS 26.3 beta 3 introduces several minor updates, including a modem update from version 1.40.02 to 1.40.03, aiming to improve connectivity. Notification forwarding remains absent, while the 'transfer to Android' feature is still present. A new privacy setting allows users to control location services for 'weather wallpaper', and 'weather' and 'astronomy' wallpapers are now categorized separately. Support for carrier satellite and cross-platform eSIM transfer is noted, along with a feature to limit location data precision for mobile networks on supported devices and carriers.

Hardware and Software Ecosystem Updates

• 00:03:32 Alongside the beta, new second-generation AirTags have been released, featuring longer Bluetooth range and a louder speaker, with potential support in beta 3 or iOS 26.2.1. A new Black Unity watch band is also available for order, though new accompanying wallpapers have not been introduced. Apple also announced Creator Studio, launching with new app icons, AI integration, and new iPad apps like Pixelmator Pro, suggesting future beta support.

Performance and Battery Life

• 00:07:52 Performance on iOS 26.3 beta 3 is reported to be very smooth across various devices, including older models, indicating a focus on refinement rather than new features. While initial installation may cause some hiccups and heat, the system generally settles quickly, providing a fluid user experience. Battery life has shown promising results, with some users reporting 10-12 hours of screen-on time, and even with background processing, devices maintain good charge levels.