Apple has just rolled out the iOS 26.2 update, but the tech world is already looking ahead. Fresh rumours and a developer beta suggest the next iteration, iOS 26.3, could introduce two significant features aimed at enhancing user flexibility and complying with new regulations.
Notification Forwarding: A Game-Changer for Device Interoperability
According to a detailed report by MacRumors, code discovered in the iOS 26.3 Beta 1 hints at a new "Notification Forwarding" setting. This feature, if released, would allow incoming notifications on an iPhone to be forwarded to a third-party device, such as a non-Apple smartwatch.
A new section dedicated to this function is expected to appear within the Settings app. Users will reportedly gain fine-grained control, enabling them to choose which specific apps can forward notifications, rather than receiving alerts from all applications. The forwarded notifications will include the app's name and the full content of the alert.
This move is largely seen as a response to regulatory pressure in Europe. The European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA) mandates that tech giants like Apple open up their ecosystems. The act requires Apple to provide third-party device makers with access to notifications and features typically reserved for the Apple Watch.
Seamless Switch: Built-in iPhone to Android Data Migration
In another major development, the iOS 26.3 Beta 1 for developers reportedly includes a built-in tool designed to simplify moving data from an iPhone to an Android device. This would eliminate the need for users to download a separate application for the migration process.
As per the findings, users will be able to transfer a wide array of data by simply placing their iPhone and a new Android phone next to each other. The transferable items are said to include:
- Photos and videos
- Message history
- Installed apps (where available)
- Saved passwords and login information
- Various other user data and settings
However, the feature notes clarify that certain sensitive or system-tied information cannot be transferred. This includes health data, password-protected notes, and Bluetooth-paired device connections.
While Google already offers a data import tool during Android setup, it remains to be seen if Apple's native solution will offer a more comprehensive, faster, or more reliable transfer experience for users deciding to switch platforms.
What These Changes Mean for iPhone Users
The potential introduction of these features in iOS 26.3 signals a notable shift in Apple's strategy. The Notification Forwarding feature directly addresses antitrust concerns in Europe, offering users more freedom to choose accessories without being locked into the Apple ecosystem for full functionality.
Meanwhile, the built-in Android migration tool acknowledges the competitive landscape of the smartphone market. By making it easier to leave, Apple may be aiming to foster goodwill and reduce the perceived friction of switching, potentially appealing to regulators and consumers who value interoperability.
Both features, if finalized and released, would represent steps toward a less walled-garden approach from the Cupertino-based giant, granting users greater control over their data and device interactions.
