New beta version of iOS 26.3 simplifies data migration from iPhone to Android phones
Apple started distributing the first test version of iOS 26.3, released exclusively to developers registered in its program. The update stands out for introducing features aimed at interoperability between ecosystems, breaking the company’s historically rigid barriers. The two main features presented are a native tool for transferring data from iPhone to Android devices and expanded support for notifications on smart watches from other brands.
Developed in direct collaboration with Google, the new migration functionality promises to drastically simplify the platform switching process for users. The initiative represents a change in the company’s stance, which for years maintained its closed ecosystem as a competitive differentiator. Agora, the transition of essential data can be done securely and without the need for third-party applications.
In addition to migration, the update meets new regulatory requirements, especially in Europa. Support for notifications on competitor wearables is a direct response to Lei of Mercados Digitais (DMA), which seeks to promote an environment of greater competition between technology giants. Essa change, although initially focused on the European market, signals possible flexibility in other regions in the future.
Migration tool for Android in detail
The new data transfer feature is integrated directly into the operating system. Users will be able to find it in the settings menu, under the “General” section, within the “Transfer or Redefinir iPhone” option. From there, a new option called “Transfer to Android” will guide the user through every step of the process, which is designed to be intuitive and accessible.
The connection between the iPhone and the new Android device is established without the use of cables, using the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technologies. Para ensure security and correct synchronization, pairing devices can be carried out in two ways: by reading a QR code displayed on the Android screen or by entering a numeric code. Esse method ensures that information transfer occurs only between devices authorized by the user.
More on this story: New iOS 26.3 update allows direct data transfer from iPhone to Android by contact
The list of data that can be migrated is comprehensive and includes the items that are most important to most people. Entre they contain the complete gallery of photos and videos, message history, all calendar contacts, saved notes and even applications that have compatible versions on both platforms. The phone number associated with the chip is also transferred to facilitate initial setup on the new device.
For security and privacy reasons, Apple chose to exclude some data considered sensitive from the transfer. Informações stored in the Saúde app, settings from previously paired Bluetooth devices, password-locked notes, and credit card data from Apple Pay will not be moved. The company stated that the list of downloadable items may be expanded during the testing period, based on feedback from developers.
How the transfer process works
The migration flow was designed to be executed in a few minutes, with a clear interface that reports progress in real time. When you select the transfer option, the iPhone starts searching for nearby Android devices that are in configuration mode. Once the new device is detected, the user chooses the pairing method. Após confirmation, the iPhone displays a detailed list of the types of content that will be sent, allowing the user to deselect categories that they do not want to transfer. With the selection made, the copying process begins, and a progress bar indicates the estimated time for completion. The technology used prioritizes a direct and encrypted connection, ensuring that data is not intercepted. At the end, both devices display a confirmation message, and the Android device begins to organize the information received in their respective applications, such as the photo gallery and the contact book.
Notifications on smartwatches from other brands
Another important new feature of iOS 26.3 is the ability to forward iPhone notifications to smartwatches from competing manufacturers, such as the Samsung, Garmin and the Pixel Watch line of Google. The functionality, located in “Settings > Notificações”, allows users who prefer other wearables to continue receiving call, message and application alerts directly on their wrist. Essa implementation aims to increase consumer freedom of choice, who are no longer restricted to Apple Watch to have a connected experience.
On the same topic: Apple introduces tool in iOS 26.3 beta to simplify data migration to Android
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Enabling the feature, however, comes with an important caveat: the system supports routing to only one wrist accessory at a time. Isso means that, when enabling notifications for a smartwatch from another brand, alerts will no longer be displayed on an Apple Watch that is connected simultaneously. Apple has publicly expressed its privacy concerns as the content of the notifications will be shared with another company’s ecosystem. Para mitigate risks, the user will have granular control, being able to choose which applications are allowed to send alerts to the external wearable.
Impact of European legislation
The implementation of these functionalities is not an isolated decision by Apple, but rather a strategic adaptation to increasing global regulatory pressures. Lei of Mercados Digitais (Digital Markets Act – DMA) of União Europeia is the main driver behind the opening of the ecosystem. The legislation classifies Apple as a “gatekeeper” (access controller) and requires the company to allow greater interoperability with third-party services and products.
The objective of the DMA is to curb anti-competitive practices and ensure that consumers have more freedom to choose and move between different platforms without being “trapped” in a single ecosystem. Forwarding notifications to other watches and the migration tool for Android are clear examples of compliance with these new rules.
While notification functionality on third-party wearables is restricted to União Europeia countries for now, the migration tool for Android has been made available globally. Essa decision suggests that Apple may be anticipating similar regulatory moves in other parts of the world, as well as recognizing user demand for a less complex device exchange process.
Learn more: Apple launches iOS 26.3 beta tool to migrate data from iPhone to Android without apps
Minor interface changes
In addition to the great functional new features, iOS 26.3 also brings refinements to the user interface, mainly focused on customization. The wallpapers section within the Ajustes application has been reorganized to offer more logical and intuitive navigation to users.
The “Weather” and “Astronomy” categories, which were previously grouped together, are now presented separately. The “Weather” section has been enriched with new static templates while retaining the ability to display real-time local weather conditions on the lock screen. Já the “Astronomy” category continues to offer the popular dynamic views of Terra, Lua, and Sistema Solar.
Public release forecast
Following the traditional Apple release schedule, the final and stable version of iOS 26.3 should be released to all users with compatible iPhones at the end of January. Históricos of intermediate updates, such as iOS 18.3 and iOS 17.3, which were also made available on similar dates, reinforce this prediction. The beta testing period, which lasts a few weeks, is essential for the company to collect feedback from developers and fix glitches and bugs before the official launch. Although the scope of the first beta version is considered moderate, the inclusion of other small features in the next test builds that will be released in the following weeks is not ruled out.
Stability and fixes
As is standard with all system updates, iOS 26.3 beta 1 also focuses on internal improvements that are not visible as new features. The package includes several bug fixes reported by users in previous versions, as well as performance optimizations that aim to make animations more fluid and battery consumption more efficient. The update also incorporates the latest security packages to protect devices against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
