iOS 26.3 - Simply Staggering!

Apple released iOS 26.2.1 and iOS 26.3 beta 3, with the former providing fixes and improvements for many users, while the latter offers continued progress despite introducing some continuity bugs.

• iOS 26.2.1 offers general stability and performance fixes, recommended for most users.

• iOS 26.3 beta 3 resolves several bugs but has continuity issues on specific devices.

• Apple made key acquisitions and reported staggering iPhone sales, with future updates expected to integrate Gemini with Siri.

Apple recently released iOS 26.2.1 to the public and iOS 26.3 beta 3, addressing several bugs and introducing new features. iOS 26.2.1 offers improved keyboard lag, RAM management, and smoother ProMotion for many, though some older devices still experience issues like Wi-Fi drops or overheating. iOS 26.3 beta 3 resolves random reboots and micro-stutters, but introduces critical continuity bugs for specific devices while also adding a new location privacy feature.

Apple's Recent Acquisitions

• 00:00:49 Apple acquired Q.AI, an AI-powered audio technology company, for approximately $2 billion, making it Apple's second-largest acquisition. The company's patents relate to detecting speech from muscle and skin movements, suggesting potential future integration with Siri or AirPods for silent command input. The full benefits of this acquisition are expected to be seen in a couple of years.

iPhone Sales and Apple Intelligence

• 00:01:27 iPhone 17 models are experiencing unexpectedly high sales, described as 'simply staggering' by Apple, with 2.5 billion active devices globally. Despite initial concerns about the design, demand for the iPhone 17 Pro models is robust due to significant processor and camera upgrades. Additionally, Tim Cook noted that most users on supported iPhones are actively using Apple Intelligence, with visual intelligence being the most popular feature, although some find Gemini superior.

New iOS 26.3 Beta 3 Features

• 00:04:09 iOS 26.3 beta 3 introduces several new features, including a redesigned compact 'view more' option in the share sheet for Safari, and confirmed support for AirTag 2. Precision finding for AirTag 2 on Apple Watch requires adding the 'Find AirTag' option to the Control Center. The update also adds a 'Limit Precise Location from Cellular Networks' feature for carrier tracking, though it is currently limited to specific Apple C1/C1X devices (e.g., iPhone Air, iPhone 16e, iPad Pro M5) and select carriers like Boost Mobile in the US.

iOS 26.2.1 and 26.3 Beta 3 Experience

• 00:12:11 iOS 26.2.1 has significantly improved keyboard lag and RAM management for many, with smoother ProMotion and better CarPlay functionality, though some users report Wi-Fi dropping and heating on older iPhones. iOS 26.3 beta 3 offers continued progress, resolving random reboots and micro-stutters, but introduces a critical continuity bug affecting features like iPhone and AirPlay mirroring on certain devices, while the wallpaper desaturation bug remains unaddressed.