A significant shift is coming to how you manage notifications on your iPhone. Driven by new regulations, Apple is preparing to open up notification forwarding to devices beyond the Apple Watch, offering greater flexibility in how you stay connected.
This change, appearing as a new “Notification Forwarding” section within your iPhone’s Settings under Notifications, promises to integrate seamlessly with a wider range of smartwatches and wearable technology. Imagine receiving alerts on the device you prefer, regardless of the brand.
Beyond notifications, Apple is bolstering user privacy with a new location-sharing control. Soon, you’ll have the power to limit the precision of location data shared with your mobile carrier.
Currently being tested in iOS 26.3, this feature allows you to switch from precise location tracking – pinpointing your exact street address – to a broader, neighborhood-level accuracy. Initial support is rolling out with select carriers, including EE and BT in the U.K., and Boost Mobile in the U.S.
Importantly, this adjustment *only* affects location data shared with your carrier; apps and the operating system itself will continue to function with their existing location permissions. It’s a focused step towards giving you more granular control over your personal information.
For those eager to experience these advancements firsthand, testing the iOS 26.3 beta is an option. Public beta participation requires a simple enrollment process through Apple’s Beta Software Program.
To join, navigate to the program website and enroll your iOS device. Once registered, the beta option will appear within the Software Update section of your iPhone’s Settings app, under General.
Developers already enrolled in the Apple Developer Program have a more direct path to the beta. A free developer account, obtainable through Xcode or the Apple Developer app, unlocks access to the latest iOS builds.
The Apple Developer app, available on the App Store, provides a streamlined sign-in process using your Apple ID. Once logged in, the beta versions become accessible through the Software Update mechanism, offering a preview of the future of iOS.
