TL;DR
Apple has pushed developer beta 2 for tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, HomePod 26.3 and other 26.3 builds. The 26.3 cycle has so far emphasized EU-related changes and an iPhone-to-Android transfer feature in iOS 26.3; beta 2 may surface additional adjustments.
What happened
On Jan. 12, 2026, Apple dispatched the second developer preview for a group of 26.3 releases, including tvOS, watchOS and HomePod firmware. These updates follow an earlier 26.3 beta wave that was distributed shortly before Apple’s year-end break; that initial drop included tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3 and related builds but did not reveal notable new features. The new beta build is available to developers via each device’s Software Update area. So far, company commentary and the beta history indicate the 26.3 cycle has concentrated on regulatory and region-specific tweaks for Europe and on a newly noted iPhone-to-Android transfer capability in iOS 26.3. Apple and the reporting outlet said they will continue investigating the fresh beta and will share any additional discoveries made by testers.
Why it matters
- Developers get early access to bug fixes and potential feature changes before public releases.
- Region- and regulation-driven updates for EU users could affect app and device behavior in those markets.
- An iPhone-to-Android transfer function in iOS 26.3 signals broader cross-platform data-migration work across the 26.3 cycle.
- Apple TV, Apple Watch, HomePod and visionOS devices participating in the beta program may see changes to system stability or functionality.
Key facts
- Developer beta 2 for tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, HomePod 26.3 and additional 26.3 builds was released on Jan. 12, 2026.
- Beta 1 for the 26.3 family was shipped the month prior, shortly before Apple’s holiday break.
- The first 26.3 beta wave covered tvOS 26.3, watchOS 26.3, visionOS 26.3 and other builds.
- Initial 26.3 betas did not surface obvious new features, according to early reports.
- The 26.3 beta cycle has largely focused on changes for EU users and a new iPhone-to-Android transfer feature in iOS 26.3.
- Developers can install beta 2 via the Software Update section on eligible devices.
- The publication and Apple said they will monitor the beta for any additional discoveries and report findings.
What to watch next
- Any new or changed features that appear in developer beta 2 compared with beta 1, especially on Apple TV, Apple Watch and HomePod.
- Further EU-specific adjustments or compliance changes across the 26.3 builds.
- Broader rollout or refinement of the iPhone-to-Android transfer capability in iOS 26.3 and whether companion 26.3 builds include supporting changes.
Quick glossary
- Developer beta: Pre-release software distributed to registered developers to test apps and system behavior before public release.
- tvOS: Apple’s operating system for Apple TV devices, handling media playback, apps and platform services.
- watchOS: The operating system that runs on Apple Watch models, providing health, fitness and watch-specific features.
- visionOS: Apple’s operating system for spatial computing devices; used here to refer to its 26.3 beta build.
- HomePod software: Firmware and system software that manage HomePod smart speaker behavior and integrations.
Reader FAQ
Who can install these betas?
Developer betas are distributed to registered Apple developers; the source specifically references developer beta 2.
How do I get beta 2 on my device?
According to the report, the update appears in each device’s Software Update section.
Does beta 2 add major new features?
Not confirmed in the source.
Are public betas available for these 26.3 releases?
Not confirmed in the source.
iPhone 17e launching as soon as next month: Here are five upgrades to look forward to Michael Burkhardt Jan 11 2026 AD WATCHOS 26 TVOS 26 tvOS 26.3 and watchOS…
Sources
- tvOS 26.3 and watchOS 26.3 beta 2 now available, plus more
- Apple Releases Second watchOS 26.3, tvOS …
- Releases
- Apple Beta
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