Apple and Google aren't exactly known for their collaborations, but they've been playing better in the last couple of years, including with Apple. adding RCS to the Messages app. iOS 26.3 beta now offers the ability to make the transition from iPhone to Android easier.
Apple released first beta version of iOS 26.3 on Wednesday, days after the company released iOS 26.2which includes additional ways to customize your iPhone Liquid glass design.
iOS 26.3 can now make porting easier iPhone data in Android device. Developers and public beta testers can access this feature today.
Since this is a beta version, I recommend downloading it on a device other than your main one. This is not the final version of iOS 26.3, so the update may be buggy and have short battery life, so it's best to keep these issues to a secondary device.
Also keep in mind that additional features may be added to your iPhone once version 26.3 is officially released. There is no word yet on when Apple's update will be available to the general public, but it will most likely happen in early 2026.
In the meantime, here are the features developers and beta testers can try right now before Apple officially releases iOS 26.3.
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Transfer from iPhone to Android
The biggest change in the iOS 26.3 beta is an easy way to transfer data from iPhone to Android device.
If you've been thinking about switching from iPhone to Android, you may have been intimidated by the transfer process. Android offers five step process to make this switch easier, but some steps involve preparing your device by turning off FaceTime and Messages and connecting both devices using a cable.
The iOS 26.3 beta introduces a new option that allows you to connect iPhone and Android devices.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or reset iPhone.. At the bottom of this page there is an option called Transfer to Android. Tap it and follow the onscreen instructions to transfer photos, messages, apps and more to your Android device.
Transferring your iPhone data to Android may be easier in iOS 26.3.
Forward notifications to other devices
The first beta of iOS 26.3 also introduces the ability to forward notifications to other devices, such as third-party smartwatches. If you prefer Galaxy Clock 8 newer apple watchyou can use it together with your iPhone.
You can access this by going to Settings > Notifications > Notification forwarding..
You may soon be able to use other smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 8 with your iPhone.
“Notifications can be sent to one accessory at a time,” Apple writes in the menu description. “Notifications won't appear on Apple Watch while notification forwarding is turned on.”
These are just some of the new features that developers and public beta testers can try out now in the first public beta of iOS 26.3. There will likely be additional beta versions before the OS is released to the general public, so Apple will have plenty of time to refine these features and add others. Again, Apple has not confirmed when it will release iOS 26.3 to the general public.
For more iOS news, here's everything you need to know. iOS 26.2new features that have been included in iOS 26.1 And my review of iOS 26. You can also check out our iOS 26 cheat sheet.
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