Apple has officially confirmed a critical bug in iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3 that causes multiple Continuity features to fail, impacting how iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV work together.
The issue was acknowledged in Apple’s developer release notes for iOS 26.3 Beta 3 (Build 23D5114d) and has since been widely reported by major Apple-focused media, including MacRumors and Neowin.
Apple Confirms iOS / iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3 Continuity Bug
In late January 2026, Apple quietly updated its iOS 26.3 Beta 3 release notes to list a known issue where several Continuity features may not function as expected.
Apple does not describe the problem as a UI glitch. Instead, evidence strongly suggests the bug is related to low-level system frameworks, which explains why:
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Rebooting does not help
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Resetting network settings rarely works
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Updating macOS beta versions does not reliably restore functionality
Apple has not yet disclosed a fix or timeline, but the bug’s inclusion in official release notes confirms it is under active investigation.
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Continuity Features Broken in iOS 26.3 Beta 3
The following Continuity features are confirmed to be broken or unreliable:
| Feature | Status in Beta 3 | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone Mirroring | ❌ Broken | High |
| Sidecar (M5 iPad Pro) | ❌ Broken | High |
| Continuity Camera | ⚠️ Unreliable | Medium |
| AirPlay Screen Mirroring | ❌ Broken | High |
These features form the backbone of Apple’s multi-device workflow, making the issue especially disruptive for power users and creators.
Devices Reportedly Affected — Hardware-Level Link
Current reports indicate the issue primarily affects new-generation Apple hardware, pointing to a possible connection with new chipset-level frameworks introduced in 2025–2026.
Most commonly affected devices include:
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iPhone 17 / 17 Pro / 17 Pro Max (C1 / C1X baseband)
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iPhone Air
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iPad Pro (M5 chip)
Why this matters
According to multiple developer and community analyses, the bug appears to be linked to:
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Apple’s new C1 / C1X baseband chips, which handle advanced wireless communication
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The M5 chip’s updated Continuity and wireless display stack
Because Continuity relies heavily on low-latency wireless communication (Wi-Fi Direct, peer-to-peer, AirPlay frameworks), any regression at the chipset or driver level can break features system-wide.
This would also explain why some older devices running iOS 26.3 Beta 3 are less affected.
How to Fix iOS / iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3 Continuity Bug (Temporary Workarounds)
Apple has not provided an official workaround, but based on reports from Reddit, MacRumors forums, and developer feedback, some users have seen limited success with the following:
Possible Mitigations (Not Guaranteed)
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Use a wired USB connection
Some users report that Sidecar may partially work when the iPad is connected via USB, bypassing wireless frameworks. -
Disable iPhone Mirroring
Turning off Settings → General → AirPlay & Continuity → iPhone Mirroring may reduce system-level conflicts and improve stability for other features.
⚠️ These are temporary, unofficial mitigations, not true fixes. Results vary depending on device and setup.
iOS 26.3 Isn’t Just About Bugs — What’s New?
While the Continuity issue dominates headlines, iOS 26.3 does introduce notable changes, which may still interest users following the update:
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Transfer to Android improvements for easier cross-platform migration
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Stronger location privacy controls, limiting carriers’ access to precise location data
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Additional under-the-hood security and performance refinements
Mentioning these features helps contextualize why some users still want to test iOS 26.3 despite the risks.
Will iOS 26.3 Be Delayed?
Historically, Apple releases x.3 updates in late January, but analysts believe this Continuity bug could:
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Delay the Release Candidate
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Push the public release into early February
Apple typically avoids shipping a public build with major ecosystem features disabled, especially those tied to Macs and iPads.
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FAQ: iOS 26.3 Beta 3 Continuity Issues
Q: Can I downgrade from iOS 26.3 Beta 3?
A: Yes, but you will need a Mac or PC and a backup made on iOS 26.2 or earlier. Downgrading requires restoring the device using recovery mode.
Q: Is this a hardware defect?
A: No. Apple has confirmed this is a software-level bug, not a hardware failure.
Q: Will Beta 4 fix the issue?
A: Apple has not confirmed this, but known-issue status strongly suggests a fix is already in development.
Final Thoughts
Apple’s confirmation of a Continuity-breaking bug in iOS / iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3 highlights the risks of early beta software on new hardware such as iPhone 17 models and the M5 iPad Pro. The issue appears tied to low-level wireless and Continuity frameworks, leaving no reliable fix beyond temporary community workarounds. If you rely on iPhone Mirroring, Sidecar, or Continuity Camera, it’s best to stay on iOS 26.2 or earlier until Apple releases an official fix.
