Apple releases first iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS 26.3 public betas

iOS 26.3
Apple has rolled out the first public betas of iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS Tahoe 26.3, making these upcoming updates available to enrolled beta testers just days after seeding the initial developer versions.
The public betas, released on December 17, 2025, allow anyone signed up through Apple’s Beta Software Program to test the software on their devices. These builds align closely with the developer betas introduced earlier in the week, focusing primarily on refinements rather than major overhauls, as the testing period spans the holiday season.
Key Changes in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3
The iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 public betas introduce a couple of notable user-facing improvements:
• Simpler Data Transfer to Android: Apple has added a more straightforward process for iPhone users switching to an Android device, enabling easier migration of data when moving platforms.
• Notification Forwarding for Third-Party Wearables (EU Only): In compliance with European Union regulations, a new feature allows notifications to be forwarded from an iPhone to compatible third-party wearable devices.
No additional new features have been discovered in the iPadOS 26.3 beta so far, and the updates for tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3 — also available in public beta — similarly show no significant changes at this early stage.
macOS Tahoe 26.3: A Quiet UpdateThe macOS Tahoe 26.3 public beta appears to be particularly light on visible changes. Early analysis indicates very few user-facing or under-the-hood modifications, suggesting Apple’s primary focus here is on stability improvements and bug fixes ahead of more substantial updates in future releases, such as macOS 26.4.
How to Install the Public Betas
To participate:
• Enroll in the Apple Beta Software Program at beta.apple.com.
• On iPhone or iPad: Go to Settings > General > Software Update, then select the beta option.
• On Mac: Open System Settings > General > Software Update, click the info icon next to Beta Updates, and choose the macOS Tahoe 26 Public Beta.
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MacDailyNews Note: The final versions of these updates are expected to launch to the public around the end of January 2026, following additional beta testing. As with any beta software, users should proceed with caution, as it may contain bugs or instability.

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