Apple keeps polishing its ecosystem with the newest versions of iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3 and macOS 26.3 Tahoe. Although these are not huge redesigns, they bring in potent quality-of-life changes that help in improving productivity, accessibility, and its general day-to-day use.
And in case you own an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, here are the 10 best new features in iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS 26.3 – how to use them.
1.Set a Real Alarm in Reminders
Critical deadlines have to be addressed. You have the option to schedule a task with time and enable Urgent that will emit a full alarm rather than a simple notification banner.
How to use it:
- Open Reminders
- Tap the info (i) button on a task
- Set a time
- Turn on Urgent
You will have a nice alarm with snooze and Live activity support ideal when it comes to urgent tasks.
2.Lock Screen Glass Transparency Customization.
Apple has also developed Lock Screen clock styling in which the transparency can be adjusted.
How to change it:
- Tap and hold the Lock Screen
- Choose Customize
- Tap the clock
- Click on Select Glass, move slider on transparency.
This provides you with the improved control of aesthetics and readability.
3.Transcripts of Podcasts in Clickable Links.
The Podcasts application has added transcripts with links which are generated by AI. Link tapping is also available within the transcripts rather than having to manually search for referenced material.
It becomes significantly easier to find something recommended in this way.
4.Stash Apple Music Lyrics Offline.
The downloaded songs also contain a synchronised version of the lyrics, even when online.
This is ideal for:
- Flights
- Remote travel
- There are poorly connected areas.
Note: Karaoke-style Apple Sing also needs the internet connection.
5.Flash Your Display to Show Notifications.
Screen flash notification provides a big push in ease of access.
You can also flash your whole display instead of only relying on the in-built camera flash when there are notifications.
Enable it here:
Accessibility – Settings -Audio and Visual – Flash as an alert – Select Screen or Both.
This is excellent because it helps users with hearing impairments (deaf people or hard of hearing) but it is also helpful to the rest of the population who might require additional visual stimuli.
6.Filtering of Better Game Library.
The Games application has better sorting:
- Filter by category
- See what friends are playing
- Sort by size
Look at compatibility of designed devices.
Sorting by Size enables one to find games that consume a lot of storage space at a glance.
7.Bring Back Split View on iPad
Miss classic Split View? It can be estimated in iPadOS 26.3 in Windowed Apps mode.
Steps:
- This feature is enabled in Control Center: use Windowed Apps.
- Open two apps
- Drag down on the top – Window – Move and Resize- Left and Right.
The apps appear side by side with a dragable separator, which reinstates the mighty multitasking.
8.AirDrop Code of Safer Sharing.
Another AirDrop Code option is the addition of privacy to sharing non-contact.
When accessing files, one needs to input a temporary code only to send files to the other person who is not in your contacts. The devices do not have to be disconnected until 30 days are over.
This enhances security but does not compromise on convenience.
9.Edge Light (Mac) Best Video Calls.
Video calls in the dark have now been made easier. Additional Digital ring-light Edge Light will give a digital impression of a ring-light to your display to brighten your face during calls.
Switch it on under the menu bar icon of the app on the video call.
It is not a substitute to actual lighting- it is useful in dark places.
10.Move Data Right to Android.
Platform switching is easier than ever.
It is now possible to move iPhone data to Android at set up.
How:
General- Settings- Transfer or Reset iPhone – Transfer to Android.
Android Scan the QR code on your Android device and choose what to move.
The ecosystem of Apple has been made even more receptive to cross-platform users.
Final Thoughts
iOS 26.3, iPadOS 26.3, and macOS 26.3 updates are not innovations but follow-up improvements. Intelligent reminders and better multitasking, safer AirDrop sharing, and offline lyrics are some of the new elements that make Apple devices more useful in everyday life.
Now it is the right time to update in case you are not already taking action.
