Major iPhone update: iOS 26.3 makes switching to Android and third-party smartwatches easier

After the update to iOS 26.3, smartwatches like the Pebble Round 2 can finally interact with notifications

With iOS 26.3, Apple is rolling out one of the biggest iPhone updates since iOS 26 launched last fall. The patch supposedly improves privacy and makes it easier to get out of Apple’s closed ecosystem.

Hannes Brecher (translated by Enrico Frahn), Published 02/11/2026 🇩🇪

Apple has just released iOS 26, and the free operating system update can now be installed on all compatible iPhones. iOS 26 runs on the iPhone SE (2nd generation), the iPhone 11 and all newer models. Apple’s official release notes only mention bug fixes and security improvements.

However, iOS 26.3 includes several substantial changes behind the scenes that Apple is not officially promoting. Thanks to pressure from the EU, iOS 26.3 adds an option to transfer a wide range of data from an iPhone to an Android smartphone. The transfer can be initiated during the setup of an Android smartphone and includes photos, passwords, text messages, notes, apps and saved contacts. Even the phone number can be transferred in case an eSIM is used.

For this transfer, Apple uses a direct WiFi connection to the Android smartphone. Also thanks to the EU, third-party earbuds will be able to pair automatically with an iPhone when they are turned on nearby, similar to how AirPods Pro (from $209 on Amazon) work.

It’s also worth noting that notifications can now be forwarded to third-party smartwatches, such as a Pebble, which can now interact with notifications the same way as an Apple Watch. However, smartwatches will need their own updates to support this new feature.

Source(s)

Apple

⟨

New Insta360 Luna vlogging camera officially revealed with launch confirmed before DJI Osmo Pocket 4

GitLab urges users to update after patching high-risk flaws affecting repositories and services

⟩

Please share our article, every link counts!

Add as a preferred
source on Google

Loading Comments

Comment on this article

Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher - Senior Tech Writer - 19882 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018

Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.

contact me via: @HannesBrecher, LinkedIn, Xing

Translator: Enrico Frahn - Managing Editor Accessory Reviews, Tech Writer - 6300 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2021

My fascination for technology goes back a long way to the Pentium II era. Modding, overclocking and treasuring computer hardware has since become an integral part of my life. As a student, I further developed a keen interest in mobile technologies that can make the stressful college life so much easier. After I fell in love with the creation of digital content while working in a marketing position, I now scour the web to bring you the most exciting topics in the world of tech. Outside the office, I’m particularly passionate about motorsports and mountain biking.

contact me via: LinkedIn

> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2026 02 > Major iPhone update: iOS 26.3 makes switching to Android and third-party smartwatches easier

Hannes Brecher, 2026-02-11 (Update: 2026-02-11)

Source(s)

Related Articles