Apple’s iOS 16.3 update is now live and brings new features, bug fixes, and security updates to your iPhone. The update was also released alongside updates to other Apple software, like iPadOS, Safari, and earlier versions of iOS. The latest iOS update comes about a month after the release of iOS 16.2.
Second-generation HomePod support
Apple’s iOS 16.3 software will support second-generation HomePod, which will launch on February 3 for $299 (£299, AU$479) . Apple announced the release of the new HomePod four days before the latest iOS software was made available.
(Netflix’s Password Suppression Share)
New Unity Wallpapers for Black History Month
The latest iOS update includes new iPhone wallpapers as part of Apple’s Black Unity Collection. The collection celebrates Black History Month with the Apple Watch Special Edition Unity Black Sports Band, mosaic dial, and new iPhone wallpapers. Apple also plans to release select Black History Month content for Apple TV, Fitness Plus, Music, Maps, Books, Podcasts, and the App Store as part of the collection.
Emergency Satellite SOS
Emergency Satellite SOS were introduced at Apple’s event in September. In iOS 16.3, Call Waiting was replaced with Wait and Cancel. call. If you activate Call by Hold and Release, you can press and hold the side and volume buttons to trigger countdowns and alarms. After the countdown, you release the buttons and your iPhone will call emergency services on its own. Previously with Hold Call, pressing the side and volume buttons first brings up the Emergency SOS call slider. If you keep holding the buttons, the countdown will start and the alarm will sound. Once the countdown is over, your phone will make an emergency call.
(Apple is accelerating development of iOS 17)
Thirdparty Security Keys Set to Apple ID
Users can now use a third-party security key instead of two-factor authentication for their Apple ID. The security key is very similar to your house key. You’re still using a password, but that extra layer of security can help protect you from scams and hackers. The Apple security key feature only works with a FIDO Alliance certified security key.
iOS 16.3 new features list
– The new Unity Wallpaper pays homage to black history and culture to celebrate Black History Month.
– Security Keys for Apple IDs allows users to enhance the security of their accounts by requiring a physical security key as part of two-factor authentication on new devices.
– HomePod (second generation) support.
– Emergency SOS calls now require pressing and holding the side button together with the volume up or down button and then releasing it to avoid unintended emergency calls.
– Fixes an issue in Freeform where some strokes made with Apple Pencil or your finger might not appear on the share sheet.
– Fixes an issue where wallpapers might appear black on the lock screen.
– Fixes an issue where horizontal lines could temporarily appear when waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max.
– Fixes an issue where the Home Lock screen widget did not correctly display the status of the Home app.
– Fixes an issue where Siri requests in CarPlay might not be understood correctly.
