Apple is set to introduce a major software update with the upcoming release of iOS 26.3, a move the company says could significantly change how iPhones work. Beta versions of the operating system are already available, and the full public release is expected in late January.

Early reactions to the beta have sparked widespread discussion, as Apple appears ready to move away from some of its long-standing traditions and introduce features users have been requesting for years.

One of the most talked-about additions is a new iPhone-to-Android transfer tool. With iOS 26.3, users will be able to wirelessly transfer photos, messages, apps and phone contacts from Android devices directly to an iPhone, making it easier for people switching platforms.

The update will also introduce notification forwarding to third-party wearables, allowing iPhones to send alerts to non-Apple smartwatches and accessories. However, Apple notes that this feature will mainly be available in Europe and may not be accessible in Sierra Leone at launch.

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Another visible change comes through enhanced weather wallpapers. iOS 26.3 will include a dedicated weather wallpaper section with new preset designs that adjust based on weather conditions.

As with previous updates, Apple is placing strong emphasis on security. The company says iOS 26.3 will bring background security improvements, including system-level protections that allow security updates to install quietly in the background. This is expected to further strengthen device safety, one of the key reasons many users prefer iPhones.

Despite the excitement, not all users will be able to upgrade. Apple has confirmed that iPhones older than the SE 2nd generation will not support iOS 26.3, meaning devices such as the iPhone X and earlier models will be left out.

For iPhone users in Sierra Leone with supported devices, the update is shaping up to be one of Apple’s most important software releases in recent years.