Apple Ecosystem Breakthrough! iOS 26.3 RC Version Released

K-LinePoet · 2026-02-05T00:41:04+00:00

Apple recently released the iOS / iPadOS 26.3 RC update, simplifying the cross-platform device switching process by enabling data transfer from iPhone to Android via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; added notification forwarding feature, allowing notifications to be sent to third-party devices other than Apple Watch; meanwhile, the weather widget has been made standalone and now includes exclusive wallpapers to enhance personalization. This update complies with the European Union Digital Markets Act.

K-LinePoet

2026-02-05 00:41:04

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Tech Home, February 5 — Apple today (February 5) pushed the iOS / iPadOS 26.3 RC (Release Candidate) update to iPhone and iPad users. This update comes 9 days after the previous Beta / RC release.

The iOS / iPadOS 26.3 update mainly focuses on the following three aspects:

1. Simplifying Cross-Platform Device Switching

Apple has partnered with Google to streamline the cross-platform device transfer process, introducing a native “iPhone to Android” data migration tool in the iOS 26.3 beta.

This feature does not require users to download third-party apps or use complex cable connections. Instead, it allows wireless transfer of core data such as photos, messages, notes, passwords, and apps via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

The implementation is based on a simplified wireless pairing mechanism. Users only need to bring the iPhone close to the target Android device, ensure both are connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and then initiate the transfer.

The system offers two pairing methods: one is scanning a QR code displayed on the Android device with the iPhone; the other is entering a specific session ID and pairing code. This design mimics seamless experiences within the Apple ecosystem (like transferring from an old iPhone to a new iPhone), enhancing cross-platform data transfer convenience.

Regarding data compatibility, the new tool supports migrating photos, messages, basic notes, app lists, saved passwords, and phone numbers. However, to protect user privacy and security, sensitive data such as Health Data, Bluetooth device pairing records, and password-protected “Locked Notes” are excluded from the transfer list and will not be transferred to the new device.

The European Commission later confirmed that Apple developed this system mainly to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). Notably, despite originating from EU regulatory pressure, Apple has chosen to make this feature available globally, not just in Europe.

2. Notification Forwarding to Non-Apple Watch Third-Party Wearables

In iOS 26.3, Apple introduces the “Notification Forwarding” option, breaking long-standing ecosystem barriers. It allows iPhone users to seamlessly forward notifications, traditionally confined within the Apple ecosystem, to third-party wearable devices that are not Apple Watch.

According to a blog post cited by Tech Home, users can simply go to the “Settings” app, then “Notifications,” to find and enable this new option, allowing real-time viewing of phone messages on other brands of smartwatches or fitness bands.

To balance system logic, Apple has set clear restrictions. The official explanation states that notification streams can only be directed to a single device at a time. This means that if users enable forwarding notifications to third-party devices, their linked Apple Watch will temporarily lose the ability to receive and display notifications.

However, Apple maintains openness in content presentation. Users can choose which app notifications to forward, and the forwarded content will include the app name and full notification details, ensuring information integrity.

This update is driven by Apple’s global regulatory challenges. The EU’s DMA explicitly requires tech giants to open core platform services, forcing Apple to provide third-party smartwatches with notification access comparable to that of Apple Watch.

Previously, third-party devices struggled to match the experience due to lack of system-level notification permissions, which has become a regulatory focus.

3. Independent Weather Wallpapers

The previous “Weather and Astronomy” section has been split into two separate sections: “Weather” and “Astronomy,” with new wallpapers added to the “Weather” section. This adjustment allows users to more intuitively perceive current weather conditions through lock screen or home screen backgrounds and enriches the system’s customization options.

Today (February 5), Apple also pushed the iOS / iPadOS 18.7.5 RC update (internal version: 22H311) to long-time iPhone and iPad users.

Note that due to caching issues with Apple’s regional server nodes, some users may experience slight delays in detecting the update, generally within half an hour.

According to foreign media MacRumors, this iOS / iPadOS 18.7.5 RC update extends the validity period of certificates required for features like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation, allowing these functions to operate normally beyond January 2027.

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