iOS 26.3 brings a native Transfer to Android wizard that lets you move apps, photos, contacts and messages with a simple QR scan and Wi‑Fi Direct, cutting migration time to minutes. It also refines privacy controls by clarifying the App Tracking Transparency prompt and adding per‑app location toggles. The update focuses on practical utility and security without major UI changes.
Native Transfer to Android Wizard
The new wizard lives in Settings → General → Transfer to Android. When you start the process, your iPhone generates a QR code that the Android device scans. Both phones then connect via Wi‑Fi Direct, allowing you to pick exactly which data to transfer.
How the wizard works
- Open Settings → General → Transfer to Android on your iPhone.
- On the Android device, open the companion app and scan the displayed QR code.
- Select the apps, photos, contacts, and messages you want to move.
- Confirm the transfer; the phones handle the data sync automatically.
Benefits for users
- Eliminates the need for third‑party migration tools.
- Reduces migration time to a few minutes for most data sets.
- Provides a clear, step‑by‑step interface that anyone can follow.
- Works over Wi‑Fi Direct, so no cellular data is consumed.
Privacy Enhancements in iOS 26.3
Apple tightens privacy by updating the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) prompt and giving you more granular control over location permissions.
App Tracking Transparency improvements
- The ATT prompt now explains what “limited ad tracking” means in plain language.
- Users can make an informed choice without navigating away from the prompt.
- The clearer wording helps reduce accidental consent.
Location permission controls
- Location services can be toggled per app directly from the permission sheet.
- When you deny location access, the app receives a “while using” or “never” status instantly.
- This reduces the need to dive into Settings for each app later.
Impact on Developers and Enterprises
Developers gain access to a new Transfer to Android API, and enterprises can streamline device onboarding and offboarding with the native tool.
Transfer to Android API
- Third‑party apps can embed migration helpers or verify data integrity after a transfer.
- Apple’s documentation recommends testing with Android 13 and 14 to catch edge cases.
- The API is lightweight, so it won’t add noticeable overhead to your app.
Enterprise device management
- MDM solutions can automate the migration flow for mixed‑device fleets.
- Reduced reliance on custom scripts lowers support overhead.
- The quick rollout (most devices finish in about 15 minutes over Wi‑Fi) minimizes disruption.
What iOS Users Should Expect
If you’re planning to switch to Android, you’ll find the new wizard the simplest migration path Apple has offered yet. For those staying in the Apple ecosystem, the privacy tweaks provide clearer consent dialogs and tighter location controls. The update installs quickly, doesn’t overhaul the UI, and keeps your device secure while laying groundwork for future AI‑driven features.
