Apple has released iOS 16.3, an update for iPhone that adds support for Security Keys for Apple ID, a redesigned HomePod Handoff prompt, expanded availability of the iCloud Advanced Data Protection feature, changes to the Emergency SOS calling procedure, and more.
Available now over-the-air, Apple’s new iOS 16.3 update for iPhone can be downloaded by opening the Settings app, tapping General and selecting Software Update, with the new release rolling out now to all iOS 16 compatible devices, from the iPhone SE (2nd generation) up to the latest iPhone 14 series.
iOS 16.3 is a relatively minor update compared to the release of iOS 16.2 last year. Beginning today, users will have the choice to make use of third-party hardware security keys to enhance their Apple ID protection. For users who opt in, Security Keys strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors.
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Apple is today expanding the availability of its iCloud Advanced Data Protection feature to all users worldwide with the release of iOS 16.3, giving users the choice to protect the vast majority of their most sensitive iCloud data with end-to-end encryption so that it can only be decrypted on their trusted devices.
Apple launched iCloud Advanced Data Protection in the US last year, taking the total number of sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption to 23. With the new Advanced Data Protection feature, Apple additionally offers end-to-end encryption for Device Backups and Messages Backups, iCloud Drive, Notes, Photos, Reminders, Voice Memos, Safari Bookmarks, Siri Shortcuts, and Wallet Passes.
Image: Apple
iOS 16.3 adds a new HomePod Handoff prompt when handing music off from an iPhone to a HomePod and changes the Emergency SOS feature, which now requires iPhone users to release the buttons when activating the Emergency SOS mode before the device automatically calls the emergency services.