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The iOS 16.3 update from Apple is now available, bringing new features, bug fixes, and security updates to your iPhone. One of the most significant new features in iOS 16.3 is that iPhone users can now use security keys to protect their Apple ID. Users should also notice some screen fixes.
This update was made available alongside updates for other Apple software, such as iPadOS, Safari, and previous versions of iOS. The most recent iOS update arrives about a month after iOS 16.2.
Here are the new features landing on your iPhone with iOS 16.3.
Users can now use third-party security keys for their Apple ID instead of two-factor authentication.
“Hardware security keys are very, very secure,” Diya Jolly, chief product officer at Okta, told CNET’s Stephen Shankland.
Security keys are similar to house keys. Passwords are still used, but this extra layer of security can help protect you from phishing scams and hackers.
Only FIDO Alliance-certified security keys are supported by Apple’s security keys feature.
Apple’s iOS 16.3 software will support the second-generation HomePod, which will be available for $299 (£299, AU$479) on February 3rd. Apple announced the new HomePod four days before the latest iOS software was released.
As part of Apple’s Black Unity Collection, the latest iOS update 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. As part of the collection, Apple intends to release a selection of Black History Month content for Apple TV, Fitness Plus, Music, Maps, Books, Podcasts, and the App Store. At Apple’s September event, emergency SOS via satellite was introduced. 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, pressing 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 once the countdown was over.
In Emergency SOS, there is also the option to Call Quietly. When you enable this option, your phone will not start flashing or making an alarm sound when you attempt to make an emergency SOS call. The following is a list of new features and changes in iOS 16.3.
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