iOS 16.3 for iPhone Launching Subsequent Week With These 4 New Options

In a current press launch, Apple confirmed that iOS 16.3 will likely be launched to the general public subsequent week. The software program replace will likely be accessible for the iPhone 8 and newer and features a handful of recent options, adjustments, and bug fixes.

Under, we have recapped larger options in iOS 16.3, together with help for bodily safety keys as a two-factor authentication possibility for Apple ID accounts, worldwide availability of Superior Knowledge Safety for expanded iCloud encryption, and extra.

Safety Keys for Apple IDs

iOS 16.3 permits a brand new Safety Keys for Apple ID characteristic, giving customers the choice to make use of {hardware} safety keys to additional defend their account. For customers who allow this characteristic, Safety Keys strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a bodily safety key as a second issue as an alternative of a verification code from one other Apple gadget.

Apple doesn’t plan to launch its personal {hardware} safety keys. The characteristic will depend on third-party safety keys accessible from manufacturers like Yubico, such because the YubiKey 5Ci, which has each Lightning and USB-C connectors to be used with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Superior Knowledge Safety (Worldwide)

Beginning with iOS 16.3, Superior Knowledge Safety will likely be accessible globally, giving customers the choice to allow end-to-end encryption for a lot of extra iCloud knowledge classes, together with Pictures, Notes, Voice Memos, Messages backups, gadget backups, and extra. The safety characteristic first launched within the U.S. with iOS 16.2 in December.

By default, Apple shops encryption keys for some iCloud knowledge sorts on its servers to make sure that customers can get better their knowledge in the event that they lose entry to their Apple ID account. If a person permits Superior Knowledge Safety, the encryption keys are deleted from Apple’s servers and saved on a person’s units solely, stopping Apple, regulation enforcement, or anybody else from accessing the info, even when iCloud servers had been to be breached.

All of a person’s units should be up to date to software program variations that help Superior Knowledge Safety of their nation to make use of the characteristic. Exterior the U.S., this contains iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, macOS 13.2, tvOS 16.3, and watchOS 9.3.

Black Unity Wallpaper

Apple lately launched a brand new, special-edition Black Unity Sport Loop for the Apple Watch Collection 4 and newer in celebration of Black Historical past Month. Apple can be releasing a companion Black Unity-themed iPhone wallpaper for the Lock Display with iOS 16.3.

Accessible in 41mm and 45mm sizes, the $49 band options the phrase “Unity” woven into the material with pink, inexperienced, and black yarns that pay homage to the Pan-African flag, in line with Apple. The band is offered to order on Apple’s on-line retailer, and will likely be accessible in choose ‌Apple Retailer‌ areas starting Tuesday, January 24.

Second-Era HomePod Assist

Apple lately launched a second-generation HomePod with nearly the identical design because the full-size HomePod that was discontinued in March 2021, and iOS 16.3 will embody software program help for the sensible speaker.

The brand new HomePod options 5 tweeters and 4 microphones (two fewer than the unique), an S7 chip for computational audio, a U1 chip for handing off music from an iPhone, and a brand new temperature and humidity sensor. The speaker continues to revolve round Siri and has Matter help for controlling HomeKit and different sensible dwelling equipment.

The brand new HomePod could be pre-ordered now on Apple’s on-line retailer for $299, with white and midnight colour choices accessible. In-store availability and deliveries to prospects will start Friday, February 3 within the U.S. and choose different international locations.

iOS 16.3 Launch Notes

This replace contains the next enhancements and bug fixes:

– New Unity wallpaper honors Black historical past and tradition in celebration of Black Historical past Month
– Safety Keys for Apple ID enable customers to strengthen the safety of their account by requiring a bodily safety key as a part of the 2 issue authentication sign up course of on new units
– Assist for HomePod (2nd era)
– Emergency SOS calls now require holding the aspect button with the up or down quantity button after which releasing so as to forestall inadvertent emergency calls
– Fixes a problem in Freeform the place some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger might not seem on shared boards
– Addresses a problem the place the wallpaper might seem black on the Lock Display
– Fixes a problem the place horizontal strains might quickly seem whereas waking up iPhone 14 Professional Max
– Fixes a problem the place the Residence Lock Display widget doesn’t precisely show Residence app standing
– Addresses a problem the place Siri might not reply correctly to music requests
– Resolves points the place Siri requests in CarPlay is probably not understood accurately