With iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the next interim update for Apple's operating systems is nearing release. As usual, the beta versions are primarily intended for developers and experienced users who want to test new features early. However, the current third beta reveals a significant drawback: several key Continuity features are not working on certain new devices. This particularly affects users who use multiple Apple devices simultaneously.
Apple has updated the developer release notes for the third beta of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3. For the first time, the company lists specifically which devices are affected and which features are currently unavailable. Apple does not provide an explanation for the limitations. However, the entry suggests that these are known issues that have not yet been resolved.
Affected devices running iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3
The outages affect only very recent hardware. According to Apple, the aforementioned Continuity features do not work on the following devices when iOS 26.3 Beta 3 or iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3 is installed:
- iPhone 17
- iPhone 17 Pro
- iPhone 17 Pro Max
- iPhone Air
- iPad Pro with M5 chip
Older iPhone and iPad models are not mentioned in the release notes and do not appear to be affected by these specific problems.
These continuity features are currently unavailable
Several features important for cross-device use within the Apple ecosystem are missing from the third beta of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3:
- iPhone mirroring, i.e., displaying and operating the iPhone on the Mac (generally not available in the EU)
- AirPlay mirroring to Apple TV 4K allows content to be wirelessly transmitted to the television.
- Wireless use of the Continuity camera with a Mac or an Apple TV 4K
- Sidecar from Mac to iPad Pro (M5), where the iPad is used as a second screen
Sidecar and the Continuity camera are frequently used in production environments. Their failure significantly limits collaboration between Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV.
No explanation from Apple, solution likely in upcoming beta
Apple provides no details in the release notes as to why these features are not working in iOS 26.3 Beta 3. No technical reasons are mentioned, nor is it indicated whether the issues are hardware or software-related. Since the limitations are explicitly listed as known problems, it can be assumed that Apple is already working on a solution.
Experience shows that such bugs are usually fixed in one of the following beta versions. It is therefore likely that the affected Continuity features will be available again by the next beta of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 at the latest.
The release of iOS 26.3 is imminent
The final version of iOS 26.3 and the accompanying operating system updates shouldn't be long in coming. In recent years, Apple has usually released so-called x.3 updates at the end of January. Since the month is almost over, this year's release will likely be slightly delayed until early February.
Before the public release, at least one release candidate version for developers and beta testers is to be expected. These versions are generally considered largely stable and contain only minor changes.
iOS 26.3 Beta 3 slows down key continuity features
The third beta of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 is currently causing noticeable limitations for users of the latest iPhone and iPad models. Several important Continuity features are disabled, significantly restricting cross-device use. Since Apple hasn't provided any details, we'll have to wait until a future beta version resolves the issues. However, the stable release of iOS 26.3 is expected in the near future. (Image: Apple)
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