Apple has released two updates simultaneously. One is the stable iOS 26.2.1, and the other is the developer beta iOS 26.3 Beta 3. It’s rare for a stable and beta version to arrive simultaneously, so it seems Apple wants to get things done quickly.
The final version of iOS 26.3 will probably arrive very soon and it’s going to have a lot of improvements over iOS 26.2. I installed this beta on my iPhone 16, so let’s take a simple look at what’s new, how is the performance, how much battery life there is, and what bugs have been fixed.
Update Size and Installation
This update is quite large – 12.06 GB was downloaded on my iPhone 16. Previously, beta 1 and 2 were around 10–11 GB. What size did you see on your phone? Let me know in the comments. After installation, the phone restarts, and everything is running smoothly.
Build Number and Modem Update
The previous build number was 23D5103d, now it’s 23D5114d. The ‘d’ at the end means there aren’t any major changes to the features – probably bug fixes and minor improvements. The modem firmware was 2.40.00, now it’s 2.40.01. If there were network issues in beta 2, this may improve slightly.
Storage Scene
Free storage before the update was 49.79 GB, now showing 49.65 GB. Initially, it appears slightly higher up to 51 GB, but then settles down. This is normal.
What’s New in This Update
This beta doesn’t bring major new features, but those already in beta 1 are still there and becoming stable.
Transfer to Android
Switching from iPhone to Android is now super easy. Data transfer starts right during setup. Photos, messages, notes, apps, passwords, contacts, everything is transferred. Apple has made it so simple for the first time.
Limit Precise Location
This is a privacy feature that prevents carriers from tracking your exact location. It only works in certain countries and carriers such as Telekom in Germany, EE/BT in the UK, Boost Mobile in the US, and AIS/True in Thailand. And only on phones with Apple’s own C1 or C1X modem such as the iPhone 16e, iPhone Air, or the M5 iPad. It won’t work on the standard iPhone 16.
Weather and Astronomy Wallpapers
These were previously in the same section, but are now separated. Some new combinations and styles have been added.
Minor Tweaks
Notification forwarding to third-party watches for the EU was available in beta 1, disappeared in beta 2, now limited.
The rest are bug fixes and security updates. Minor things like lag time when opening apps, delays when opening apps from folders, or slightly improved keyboard response.
Performance: Noticeable Difference in Speed
Performance seems to be significantly better in iOS 26.3. Apps open faster, multitasking is smoother, and minor glitches have reduced. Geekbench scores have also seen a jump. They were around 8500, now they are reaching 9200+. It feels more refined than iOS 26.2. Animations are crisp, and there’s no lag in daily use.
Battery Life: Running Great Even in Beta
Battery life hasn’t seen any significant drain. Moderate use yields 8–9 hours of screen-on time, and it’s stable even with heavy use. Battery health on the iPhone 16 is 100%, cycle count is low, and despite being a beta, it feels much better than iOS 26.2. The final version will see further improvements. It seems Apple is focusing heavily on optimization.
Scene of Bugs and Issues
- The keyboard still feels a bit laggy. There’s a slight delay in response, but it’s better than before.
- Jitters in the App Library have reduced.
- The delay in opening apps from folders is being fixed.
- If you notice any other bugs such as network drops or app crashes, let us know in the comments. Everyone will get an idea.
Should You Update?
If you’re already on iOS 26.3 beta, definitely update, because if the beta is stuck in a loop, you’ll need the next beta.
If you’re on stable iOS 26.2 or iOS 26.2.1, if you want to try the beta and don’t have your primary phone, do so. Performance and battery seem to be improving. But if you have your primary device, wait a bit. Everything will be stable in the final version.
Final iOS 26.3 should arrive in February. Stable directly after beta 4 or RC. Let us know in the comments what size update it was on your phone, how much battery it’s draining, and what new feature you liked most.
iOS 26.3 Beta 3 Specs Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Version | iOS 26.3 Beta 3 |
| Stable Version Released Alongside | iOS 26.2.1 |
| Build Number | 23D5114d |
| Previous Build | 23D5103d |
| Modem Firmware | 2.40.01 |
| Previous Modem | 2.40.00 |
| Update Size | 12.06 GB |
| Geekbench Score (Previous) | Around 8500 |
| Geekbench Score (Now) | 9200+ |
| Screen On Time | 8–9 Hours |
| Battery Health Tested Device | 100% |
