TL;DR
Apple has released public beta 2 builds for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3 and related updates following a holiday pause. The 26.3 cycle appears to be modest in scope so far, with the most noticeable changes arriving in iOS 26.3.
What happened
After a multi-week break over the holidays, Apple resumed rolling out beta software. Developer beta 2 for several 26.3 releases landed first, and the same builds are now available to public beta participants. The public beta 2 wave covers macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3 and other platform updates. Early reporting indicates the 26.3 cycle is relatively light on new features: iOS 26.3 includes a tool to simplify transferring data from iPhone to Android, tweaks to the wallpaper gallery, and new settings targeted at EU users. Outside of iOS, the updates seen so far are primarily bug fixes and performance improvements. Observers expect 26.3 to be a minor update that will likely be followed by a more feature-rich 26.4 cycle, though further changes during the beta period remain possible.
Why it matters
- Public betas let non-developer users test upcoming builds and report issues before final releases.
- A small 26.3 feature set suggests most users will see stability and bug-fix improvements rather than major new capabilities.
- The new iPhone-to-Android transfer tool in iOS 26.3 could reduce friction for users switching platforms.
- If Apple follows its usual cadence, these 26.3 builds may ship soon and make way for a larger 26.4 update.
Key facts
- Public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3 is now available.
- Developer beta 2 for the same 26.3 builds was released a day earlier.
- The 26.3 cycle has so far shown limited visible changes beyond fixes and performance work.
- iOS 26.3 contains the most noticeable additions: an iPhone-to-Android transfer tool, wallpaper gallery updates, and new EU-specific settings.
- No major new features have been identified in the other 26.3 platform betas to date.
- Reporting originates from 9to5Mac, with this item written by Ryan Christoffel and published Jan. 13, 2026.
- Apple had paused beta shipments over the holiday period and has now resumed.
- The site invites readers to share discoveries from the beta builds in the comments.
What to watch next
- Whether additional notable features or changes appear in later 26.3 beta updates — not confirmed in the source
- The exact public release date for the 26.3 updates and rollout timing across devices — not confirmed in the source
- What features Apple plans to include in the upcoming 26.4 cycle and how it compares to 26.3 — not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Public beta: A pre-release software build that is made available to non-developer users for testing and feedback before the final release.
- Developer beta: Early pre-release software distributed primarily to developers to test apps and integrations against upcoming OS changes.
- macOS Tahoe: The named version of Apple's desktop operating system for Mac computers used during the 26.x release cycle.
- tvOS: Apple's operating system for the Apple TV platform, receiving periodic updates alongside iOS and macOS.
Reader FAQ
What platforms received public beta 2?
Public beta 2 builds were released for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3 and related updates.
What are the headline changes in these betas?
So far the largest user-facing changes are in iOS 26.3: an iPhone-to-Android transfer tool, wallpaper gallery updates, and new settings for EU users.
When will the 26.3 updates ship to all users?
Not confirmed in the source.
How can I report problems or discoveries in the betas?
The article notes readers are invited to share findings in the comments; specific reporting channels are not confirmed in the source.
Apple debuts ‘Apple Creator Studio’ subscription, here’s what you get Chance Miller Jan 13 2026 IPADOS 26 TVOS 26 Public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, more now…
Sources
- Public beta 2 for macOS Tahoe 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, more now available
- Second macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for Developers
- Second developer betas for iOS 26.3, macOS Tahoe 26.3 have arrived
- Second macOS Tahoe 26.3 Beta Now Available for …
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