iOS 16.3
iOS 16 is the sixteenth and iOS 16.3 most recent major update of Apple’s iOS mobile operating system for its iPhone range of products. It was unveiled as the successor to iOS 15 on June 6, 2022, during the company’s Worldwide Developers Conference. As for the past few years, we have seen a trend Apple releasing major updates to its iOS after one major rollout.
For example, just like last year, we have seen iOS 16 released first and then its subsequent updates. On January 23, Apple released iOS 16.3, which includes new features, bug fixes, and security updates for iPhone 8 and later users. One of the most significant new features in iOS 16.3 is the ability to protect your Apple ID with security keys. This update was made available alongside upgrades for other Apple software, such as iPadOS, Safari, and prior versions of iOS. The most recent iOS update arrives around a month after iOS 16.2.
Top new features
Security keys and Apple ID
Users can now use third-party security keys for their Apple ID instead of two-factor authentication. Security keys are similar to house keys. Passwords are still used, but this added layer of protection can help protect you from phishing frauds and hackers. Only FIDO Alliance-certified security keys are supported by Apple’s security keys functionality.
Emergency SOS
At Apple’s September event, emergency SOS via satellite was presented. The Call with Hold option has been replaced with Call with Hold and Release in iOS 16.3. If you enable Call with Hold and Release, you can start a countdown and an alarm by holding the side and volume buttons simultaneously.
After the countdown, you release the buttons, and your iPhone will automatically dial 911. Previously, when using Call with Hold, tapping the side button and a volume button would bring up the Emergency SOS call slider first. If you kept pressing the buttons, a countdown would begin and an alarm would sound. Your phone would make an emergency call after the countdown was over.
But you won’t be able to use this feature on every iPhone as it is exclusively available to iPhone 14 lineup. Also, the feature is available in America and later this year in some European countries.
Black History Month
As part of Apple’s Black Unity Collection, the latest iOS release includes a new iPhone wallpaper. The Black History Month collection includes a limited-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a mosaic watch face, and a new iPhone wallpaper.
Support for HomePod
Apple’s iOS 16.3 software will support the second-generation HomePod, which will be available on February 3. Apple revealed the new HomePod four days before the latest iOS software was released.
Which iPhone can update to iOS 16.3
The iOS 16.3 update has been a long time coming, especially for security-conscious users. This is because the new iPhone update includes the opportunity to employ security keys to safeguard your Apple ID, a great new feature that everyone should take advantage of.
Apple iOS 16.3 is now available for all iOS 16-compatible devices, including the iPhone 8/iPhone X and subsequent models.
Conclusion
Apple is expected to release iOS 16.3.1 shortly, as there are still many flaws with iOS 16. I would also expect iOS 16.4 to enter beta testing within the next few days. You can join the Apple Beta Software Program if you wish to test iOS updates before they are released to the general public. But keep in mind that beta releases will always have more issues and unfinished features, so we don’t recommend running it on a primary device.
So, tell us if you have an iPhone, and which iPhone you have? Will you be upgrading to iOS 16.3 or waiting for the next update or entiresly for yearly update of iOS 17.
