Apple releases iOS 26.3 public beta 2: Check what's new, how to update

Reportedly, iOS 26.3 public beta 2 adds backend changes hinting at encrypted RCS messages, while retaining features like iPhone-to-Android transfer tools and notification forwarding

Apple has rolled out iOS 26.3 public beta 2 for users enrolled in its public beta programme. The update arrives nearly a month after the first public beta and is based on the latest developer beta version which was released earlier this week. According to a report by 9To5Mac, the update does not add many visible features, but it includes backend changes related to RCS messaging that could point to future upgrades.

iOS 26.3 public beta 2: What’s new

RCS end-to-end encryption groundwork

As per the report, iOS 26.3 beta 2 includes new code strings linked to RCS messaging. A string labelled “SupportsE2EE” has been added, suggesting Apple is preparing support for end-to-end encryption for RCS messages in the Messages app.

 

  Apple had earlier said it would support encrypted RCS messaging in a future update. While there is no confirmation that iOS 26.3 will be the release that enables it, the presence of this code suggests the feature is being actively developed.

Features carried over from beta 1

The second public beta keeps the changes that were introduced with the first beta of iOS 26.3. These include:

• A new tool to transfer data from an iPhone to an Android phone by placing the two devices close to each other.
• Changes to the wallpaper gallery, including a separate section for weather-based wallpapers.
• A Notification Forwarding option that allows iPhone notifications on third-party accessories.

iOS 26.3 public beta 2: Eligible models

• iPhone 17 series: iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air
• iPhone 16 series: iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e
• iPhone 15 series: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14 series: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13 series: iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12 series: iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11 series: iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone SE (2nd generation and later)

iOS 26 public beta 2: How to download and install

• Once the iOS 26 public beta goes live, you can install it by following these steps:
• Sign up at the Apple Beta Software Programme
• On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update
• Tap Beta Updates, then select iOS 26 Public Beta
• Return to the Software Update screen and wait for the beta to appear
• Agree to the terms and conditions, and begin the download
• Once downloaded, the installation will begin automatically

Note: Make sure to back up your iPhone before installing the beta version.