appleafter one month of beta testing iOS 16.3‘ to iPhone users all over the world today. This update includes a new way to protect your Apple ID, changes to Emergency SOS, and more.
Please read on for the full release notes with all the new iOS 16.3.
How to install iOS 16.3
iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 are available on all iPhone and iPad models starting today. Settings go to app Generaland then Software updateYou can update by selecting . If you don’t see the update right away, be sure to keep checking it as it can sometimes take a few minutes to reach every iPhone and iPad. Updates are expected to be publicly available within an hour.
Once you start the installation process, your iPhone or iPad will download the update and then ask you to restart your device to finish the process. Note that your device will be unavailable while rebooting to install the update.
What’s new in iOS 16.3?
Here are the new features in iOS 16.3:
- New Unity wallpaper
- Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their accounts by requiring a physical security key as part of the two-factor authentication sign-in process on new devices.
- HomePod support (2nd generation)
- Emergency SOS calls now require holding down the side button with the volume up or down button and then releasing it to prevent accidental emergency calls.
The update also includes some bug fixes and improvements for iPhone users:
- Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing contours created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear in shared clipboards.
- Fixes an issue where the wallpaper appears black on the Lock Screen.
- Fixes an issue that caused horizontal lines to appear temporarily when waking the iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget was not displaying Home app status correctly.
- Fixes an issue where Siri might not respond properly to music requests.
- Resolves issues where Siri requests may not be understood correctly in CarPlay.
Below we have tried to summarize all the changes in the iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates.
Security Keys
Security Keys for Apple ID give users the option to add a third-party security key to their account, which will be required for authentication when signing in to a new device or otherwise accessing an “Apple ID.”
The Security Key is designed to replace verification codes sent to Apple devices when signed in to another device, which is Apple’s standard authentication method. Apple says physical security keys provide strong protection against phishing and unauthorized account access.
Security Keys can be set on devices running iOS/iPadOS 16.3 by going to Apple ID > Security Keys and following the instructions. iPhone, iPad and Mac support FIDO Certified security keys like Yubikey.
Enhanced Data Protection for iCloud (Global Release)
Advanced Data Protection for iCloud uses end-to-end encryption to provide Apple’s highest level of cloud data security. The feature was made available to users in the US with the release of iOS 16.2 late last year, but iOS 16.3 brings the feature to all users worldwide for the first time.
By default, Apple stores encryption keys for some “iCloud” data types on its servers to ensure that users can recover their data if they lose access to their “Apple ID” account. If a user enables Advanced Data Protection, the encryption keys are deleted from Apple’s servers and stored only on the user’s devices; this prevents Apple, law enforcement or anyone else from accessing the data even if the “iCloud” servers are to be breached.
Unity Wallpaper
With the new update, your smart watch and phones now have a new wallpaper.
HomePod Support
iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 add support for the second-generation HomePod, which was introduced last week. The HomePod 2 is similar in size to the original HomePod, but with a new touch interface, humidity and temperature sensing support, Thread connection, an Ul chip, and more.
Emergency SOS Changes
Updated Emergency SOS to prevent accidental emergency calls. Calls can still be made by pressing and holding the side button along with the volume up or down button, but now the buttons must be released to make calls.
Before the change, simply pressing the buttons can activate Emergency Assistance.
iPhone 14 Pro Max Screen Fix
Fixed an issue that could temporarily cause horizontal lines to appear on the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s screen when first woken, and the lines are no longer visible.