TL;DR
Apple has pushed the second beta of iOS 26.3 for iPhone. The first iOS 26.3 seed introduced an easier way to move between Android and iPhone and refreshed options in the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper gallery; Apple expects a public release in late January or early February.
What happened
Apple issued the second developer beta of iOS 26.3 for iPhone, following the initial 26.3 seed that surfaced earlier. The first beta included an option intended to simplify switching between Android and iPhone and made adjustments to the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper gallery. This beta cycle follows Apple’s official rollout of iOS 26.2 in December, which added further customization for the Liquid Glass design elements and expanded CarPlay configuration options. According to the reporting, iOS 26.3 is likely to reach general release around the end of January or the start of February. Looking further ahead, the report indicates that iOS 26.4 is expected to be the release that brings an upgraded version of Siri, though that upgrade is slated for a later update rather than 26.3.
Why it matters
- A second 26.3 beta shows Apple continuing iterative refinement of iOS 26 features ahead of a public release.
- Easier switching between Android and iPhone could lower friction for users migrating platforms.
- Wallpaper gallery tweaks signal ongoing attention to visual customization options for users.
- Changes to Liquid Glass design and CarPlay from 26.2 show Apple is still updating system appearance and in-car experiences.
Key facts
- Apple released the second iOS 26.3 beta for iPhone (reported Jan 12, 2026).
- The first iOS 26.3 beta introduced an easier way to switch between Android and iPhone.
- Beta 1 also included tweaks to the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper gallery.
- iOS 26.2 was released in December and added Liquid Glass design tweaks and more CarPlay customization options.
- iOS 26.3 is likely to be released around the end of January or beginning of February, according to the report.
- iOS 26.4 is expected to be the update that includes a new, upgraded version of Siri.
- The source for these details is a report by Zac Hall published on Jan 12, 2026.
What to watch next
- Whether the second beta adds features beyond the switch and wallpaper tweaks — not confirmed in the source.
- The official public release timing for iOS 26.3, currently estimated for late January or early February.
- Confirmation of which Siri improvements will arrive and whether they will be held for iOS 26.4 or appear earlier.
Quick glossary
- Beta: A pre-release version of software distributed for testing and feedback before a general public release.
- CarPlay: Apple’s in-car software platform that mirrors iPhone features and apps on compatible vehicle displays.
- Liquid Glass: A design language or visual motif used in recent iOS releases to describe translucent, layered interface elements.
- Wallpaper gallery: A collection of background images and dynamic wallpapers available for users to apply to their device home and lock screens.
- Siri: Apple’s voice assistant that performs tasks, answers questions, and interfaces with system features and apps.
Reader FAQ
What is in the second iOS 26.3 beta?
The report confirms Apple released the second iOS 26.3 beta; details beyond the first beta’s features are not specified in the source.
When will iOS 26.3 reach the public?
The article says iOS 26.3 will likely arrive around the end of January or beginning of February.
Does iOS 26.3 include the upgraded Siri?
No — the report expects the upgraded Siri to arrive in iOS 26.4, not in 26.3.
What did the first iOS 26.3 beta add?
It introduced an easier way to switch between Android and iPhone and adjusted the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper gallery.
iPhone 17e launching as soon as next month: Here are five upgrades to look forward to Michael Burkhardt Jan 11 2026 IOS IOS 26 IOS 26.3 Apple releases second iOS…
Sources
- Apple releases second iOS 26.3 beta for iPhone
- OS – iOS 26
- Apple Releases A Further Surprise iPhone Update For …
- Apple releases iOS 26.3 security test for beta users, details …
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