📱 iOS 26.3 — What's New?
iOS 26.3 is already in the Release Candidate phase, which means the public release is just around the corner. This update includes several noteworthy additions and improvements that will enhance your iPhone experience.
📲 Transfer to Android Tool
A new tool that allows wireless transfer of photos, messages, notes, apps, and phone number from iPhone to Android. Found in Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Transfer to Android.
🔔 Notification Forwarding (EU)
In the European Union, a new capability for notification forwarding and pairing of third-party AirPods-type accessories, in compliance with the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA).
🔐 RCS Encryption
Apple is laying the groundwork for end-to-end encryption in RCS messages, so carriers can support secure communication between iPhone and Android.
🌤️ Weather Wallpapers
A new dedicated section for weather wallpapers on the Lock Screen, with three default options that dynamically update based on weather conditions.
📍 Precise Location Restriction
A new “Limit Precise Location” setting that reduces the location data available to cellular networks, enhancing user privacy.
🛡️ Background Security Updates
Improvements to the Background Security Improvement feature that delivers automatic security updates for Safari, WebKit, and other system components between regular updates.
💡 Tip: To install iOS 26.3, go to Settings → General → Software Update. Make sure you have enough storage space and a battery above 50% or a connected charger.
🚀 iOS 26.4 — What to Expect?
iOS 26.4 is expected to be publicly released in March or April 2026, following a beta testing period. This update promises some of the most exciting changes we've seen in recent months.
🤖 Personalized Siri with Google Gemini
Apple and Google announced that Google Gemini will power a more personalized Siri. New capabilities include: understanding personal context, on-screen awareness, and deeper per-app control.
😀 New Emoji
9 new emoji will be added: Trombone, Treasure, Distorted Face, Bigfoot, Battle Cloud, Apple Core, Orca, Ballet Dancers, and Landslide.
💳 Credit Card AutoFill
If you have cards saved in the Passwords app, you'll now be able to use them with AutoFill in third-party apps.
📁 Folders in Freeform
The ability to create folders in the Freeform app for better organization of your creations.
🔍 AirPods in Find My
A new “Precise Outdoor Location” feature for AirPods via Find My, for more accurate tracking in outdoor settings.
🔒 Device Verification System
A new device integrity verification system before connecting to Apple ID and iCloud, for enhanced account security.
⚖️ Comparison: iOS 26.3 vs iOS 26.4
📱 iOS 26.3
- iPhone → Android transfer tool
- Notification forwarding (EU)
- RCS encryption groundwork
- Weather Wallpapers
- Precise location restriction
- Background security updates
- Release Candidate — Available now
🚀 iOS 26.4
- Personalized Siri (Google Gemini)
- 9 new emoji
- Card AutoFill in third-party apps
- Folders in Freeform
- Precise Outdoor Location (AirPods)
- Device integrity verification
- Expected March/April 2026
🧠 Apple Intelligence — AI Evolution on the iPhone
Apple Intelligence continues to evolve with each new update. iOS 26.3 improves existing AI features, while iOS 26.4 is expected to bring significant upgrades, particularly to Siri.
The Apple-Google partnership to integrate Google Gemini into Siri is one of the most significant moves in the mobile AI space. However, some of the more advanced capabilities may not be fully available until iOS 27, later in 2026.
⚠️ Important: Some Apple Intelligence features may not be available in all regions or on all iPhone models. The personalized Siri with Google Gemini may roll out gradually.
📋 Compatible Devices
The iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 updates support the same devices as iOS 26. This means you'll need at least an iPhone 16 or newer model for Apple Intelligence features, while basic features will also be available on older compatible models:
- iPhone 17 series — Full Apple Intelligence support
- iPhone 16 / 16 Plus / 16 Pro / 16 Pro Max — Full support
- iPhone 15 Pro / 15 Pro Max — Apple Intelligence support
- iPhone 15 / 15 Plus and older — Basic iOS 26 features (no AI)
🔧 Experiencing issues after the update? The OnOff.gr team is here to help! From battery problems after the update to software malfunctions, our technicians can diagnose and resolve any issue with your iPhone. Contact us for fast and reliable support.
📅 When Are They Released?
Here is a timeline with the expected release dates:
- iOS 26.3 Release Candidate: Available now (February 2026)
- iOS 26.3 Public Release: Expected within days
- iOS 26.4 First Beta: Expected in about a week
- iOS 26.4 Public Release: March or April 2026
🔮 A Look at the Future
Beyond the current updates, Apple appears to be preparing major changes for iOS 27, expected to be announced at WWDC later in 2026. According to reports, Apple is planning a full Siri chatbot similar to ChatGPT, while the company recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for nearly 2 billion dollars — the second-largest acquisition in its history.
✅ Conclusion
iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 bring many exciting additions to the iPhone. Version 26.3 focuses on practical improvements like the Android transfer tool and security updates, while 26.4 promises more impressive features with personalized Siri and new emoji.
Make sure to keep your iPhone updated to enjoy the latest features and security improvements. And if you need help with any issue on your device, the OnOff.gr team is always at your service!
