Apple rolls out iOS 16.3 software update for iPhones: here’s what’s new

Highlights
  • Apple has rolled out iOS 16.3 update, which is the third major update to the iOS 16 OS.
  • The update introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, support for the newly launched second-generation HomePod, bug fixes and much more.
  • The company has also released iOS 15.7.3 for older iPhones.

Apple has released iOS 16.3, which is the third major update to the iOS 16 OS that came out in September last year. The company has also released iOS 15.7.3 for older iPhones, which offers security improvements. The latest iOS 16.3 update introduces Security Keys for Apple ID, which allows for physical-two-factor authentication that replaces the digital two-factor authentication used for Apple ID logins. Furthermore, there’s also a new Unity wallpaper and support for the newly launched second-generation HomePod.

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Apple has also tweaked Emergency SOS to prevent accidental emergency calls. Users can still activate Emergency SOS by holding down the side button with the up or down volume button but the call won’t be placed until the buttons are released.

iOS 16.3-unity-wallpaper

iOS 16.3 released

Besides the said additions, Apple has fixed some known bugs, including the horizontal lines that temporarily appeared on the iPhone 14 Pro Max, a bug that resulted in the Home Lock Screen widget not accurately displaying the Home app status, and Siri bugs related to music requests and CarPlay. The update also fixed an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards. The iOS 16.3 update also addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen.

As said, Apple has released an older iOS 12.5.7 update for those who have an even older device. Users can update their iPhones by heading over to settings > General > Software Update. Be sure to have at least 50 percent charging on your iPhone before starting with the update. Here’s the changelog of the update.

iOS 16.3 changelog

  • New Unity wallpaper honours Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month
  • Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two-factor authentication sign-in process on new devices
  • Support for HomePod (2nd generation)
  • Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls
  • Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
  • Addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen
  • Fixes an issue where horizontal lines may temporarily appear while waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately display the Home app status
  • Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests
  • Resolves issues where Siri requests in CarPlay may not be understood correctly