Apple has today released version 26.3 of the macOS, watchOS, tvOS, and HomePod Software platforms.
In our usage and testing of macOS Tahoe 26.3 and watchOS 26.3, we did not identify any changes in these releases that specifically affect the experience for blind, deaf blind, or low vision users. We were unable to test tvOS 26.3 or HomePod Software 26.3. If you notice any changes in your own use of any of these releases, please do let us know by posting a comment.
Release Notes
macOS Tahoe 26.3
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates.
For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit: https://support.apple.com/100100
Some features may not be available for all regions. For more information, please visit: https://www.apple.com/os/ios
Software updates, like this one, add new features and improvements that may affect performance and/or battery life. To learn more, please visit: https://support.apple.com/125039
watchOS 26.3
This update includes improvements and bug fixes for your Apple Watch.
tvOS 26.3
Release notes for tvOS 26.3 are not available at the time of publication, but we will update this post if this changes.
HomePod Software 26.3
Release notes for HomePod Software 26.3 are not available at the time of publication, but we will update this post if this changes.
How to Update
To install macOS Tahoe 26.3, choose System Settings from the Apple menu, select General in the table, click Software Update in the scroll area, and click the Update Now button to begin the update process. If other updates are available, you can click the Info button to see details about them and select specific updates to install.
watchOS 26.3 is available via Over-the-Air Update (Settings > General > Software Update) or by going to the Watch app on your iPhone and navigating to General > Software Update. To install the update, your Watch must be connected to its charger and have at least 50% battery power.
To install tvOS 26.3, on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV HD, go to the Settings channel, then look for the System section near the bottom. From here, look for Software Updates under Maintenance, then select Update Software and Download and Install. Wait for your Apple TV to download the update. Don't disconnect or unplug your Apple TV until the update completes.
By default, HomePod and HomePod mini automatically install new software updates, but you can manually check for updates in the Home app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.Release notes for tvOS 26.3 are not available at the time of publication, but we will update this post if this changes.
Comments
Does this fix “raise to speak” on the watch?
Hello,
I have an Apple Watch Ultra 2.
Since purchasing it last year, “Raise to speak” has never worked. The wierd part is that it used to work on my series 7 which it replaced.
I have reset my watch several times, to no avail.
Has anyone else seen this that might have some insight into how to rectify the problem?
Is MacOs any better yet?
Has this improved the VoiceOver experience on the Mac yet? In particular I am thinking of the problem where VoiceOver cannot access some content in a web page with Safari, and the difficulty in trying to actually get into the web content at all.
I am experiencing the latter problem in Chrome with Sequoia a fair bit these days.
Workout scrolling fixed!
Before WatchOS 26, if you start a workout it goes to page 2 where you can see the time and so on. To end you 2 finger swipe to page 1 and do it there.
In WatchOS 26 it changed so that page 1 appears first and then you can't two finger swipe to page 2. You could get to it by going to the bottom and flicking on the page but it's more of a hassle.
Well with WatchOS 26.3 it has gone back to how it worked before. Now you can easily see how long you have been working out and swiping between pages seems consistent again.
That was the one thing that really grated me with 26 so glad it has been fixed.
Not noticing any relevant changes
The only thing I've noticed so far, which became a problem in 26.2 but remains unfixed in 26.3, is that the pre-boot VoiceOver cannot focus anything after the system boots most times, requiring disabling and re-enabling it as a workaround. This affects the initial authentication to decrypt the hard drive when FileVault is enabled, and may result from a race condition when the pre-boot VoiceOver happens to launch before the authentication prompt appears.
Disappointing
Thanks very much for confirming - I had a horrible feeling that would be the case. Guess I will hold off upgrading some more, but I am beginning to get worried that these are just going to be things we have to get used to.