iOS 26.3 Beta 3 Disrupts Continuity Features on iPhone 17 and iPad Pro M5
Apple’s recent release of iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3 has introduced significant disruptions to Continuity features on the latest devices, including the iPhone 17 series, iPhone Air, and iPad Pro with M5 chip. Users have reported that essential tools such as iPhone Mirroring, Sidecar, and AirPlay Mirroring are non-functional, severely impacting workflows that depend on seamless cross-device integration.
In its updated developer documentation, Apple acknowledged these issues, stating:
> The following Continuity features do not work on iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, iPhone Air, and iPad Pro (M5) with iOS / iPadOS 26.3 Beta 3:
> – iPhone Mirroring
> – AirPlay mirroring to Apple TV 4K
> – Using Continuity Camera wirelessly with Mac or Apple TV 4K
> – Sidecar from Mac to iPad Pro (M5)
Affected Features:
– iPhone Mirroring: This feature allows users to view and control their iPhone directly from a Mac.
– AirPlay Mirroring to Apple TV 4K: Enables wireless screen sharing from iOS devices to Apple TV.
– Continuity Camera: Transforms the iPhone into a wireless webcam for use with Mac or Apple TV 4K.
– Sidecar: Allows an iPad Pro (M5) to function as a secondary display for a Mac.
These disruptions are specific to the newest Apple hardware running Beta 3; older devices and previous beta versions remain unaffected. The loss of these functionalities undermines the core advantages of Apple’s ecosystem, which is designed to facilitate seamless transitions of work, video, and calls across devices.
Apple has not provided an explanation for the malfunctioning Continuity features. However, the company typically addresses such issues in subsequent beta updates. Given that iOS 26.3 was initially expected to be publicly released in late January, the current delay suggests a potential release in early February.
Recommendations for Users:
– Avoid Installing Beta 3: Users with affected devices should refrain from installing iOS 26.3 Beta 3 to prevent disruptions in Continuity features.
– Await Future Updates: For those who have already installed the beta, anticipate issues with screen sharing, camera handoff, and Mac-to-iPad workflows. It is advisable to wait for Apple to release a new beta or the final version that resolves these problems.
In the interim, users are encouraged to monitor official communications from Apple for updates on this issue. The company is expected to restore full Continuity functionality before the public release of iOS 26.3.
