Apple launched iOS 16.3 in January, and the replace introduced some a lot wanted bug fixes and safety updates to make your iPhone run extra easily. The replace additionally brings some helpful new options to your iPhone, like safety keys and an replace to emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc.
The iOS 16.3 replace was launched alongside updates for different Apple software program, too, like iPadOS, Safari and former variations of iOS. The newest iOS replace arrived a couple of month after the discharge of iOS 16.2,
Here are the brand new options touchdown in your iPhone with iOS 16.3.
Security keys come to Apple ID
Users can now use third-party safety keys as an alternative of two-factor authentication for his or her Apple ID.
Security keys are loads like keys to your house. You nonetheless use passwords, however this additional layer of safety might help defend you in opposition to phishing scams and hackers.

Security keys add extra safety to your gadget.
Screenshot by Zach McAuliffe/CNET
“Hardware security keys are very, very secure,” Diya Jolly, chief product officer of authentication service firm Okta, advised CNET’s Stephen Shankland,
Apple’s safety keys function solely works with FIDO Alliance-certified safety keys.
Support for the second-gen HomePod
Apple’s iOS 16.3 software program provides assist for the second-generation HomePod, which is out now and prices $299 (£299, AU$479). Apple introduced the discharge of the brand new HomePod 4 days earlier than the most recent iOS software program was made out there.
New Unity wallpaper for Black History Month

Screenshot by Zach McAuliffe/CNET
The newest iOS replace features a new iPhone wallpaper as a part of Apple’s Black Unity Collection. The assortment celebrates Black History Month with a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a mosaic watch face and the brand new iPhone wallpaper. Apple additionally plans to launch a number of Black History Month content material for Apple TV, Fitness Plus, Music, Maps, Books, Podcasts and the App Store as a part of the gathering.
New methods to use Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc
Emergency SOS through satellite tv for pc was launched at Apple’s occasion in September, In iOS 16.3, the name with maintain possibility has been changed with Call with maintain and launch, If you allow Call with maintain and launch, you may maintain the facet button and a quantity button to provoke a countdown and an alarm. After the countdown, you launch the buttons and your iPhone will name emergency companies by itself. earlier than with name with maintain, urgent the facet button and a quantity button would first deliver up the Emergency SOS name slider. If you continued to maintain the buttons, a countdown began and an alarm would go off. After the countdown ended, your cellphone would make an emergency name.
There’s additionally an possibility to Call Quietly To set up EmergencySOS. By enabling this feature, whenever you strive to make an emergency SOS name, your cellphone will not begin flashing or making an alarm sound.
Here is Apple’s checklist of latest options and adjustments included in iOS 16.3:
- New Unity wallpaper honors Black historical past and tradition in celebration of Black History Month.
- Security Keys for Apple ID permit customers to strengthen the safety of their account by requiring a bodily safety key as a part of the 2 issue authentication register course of on new units.
- Support for HomePod (second era).
- Emergency SOS calls now require holding the facet 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 could not seem on shared boards.
- Addresses a problem the place the wallpaper could seem black on the Lock Screen.
- Fixes a problem the place horizontal strains could quickly seem whereas waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- Fixes a problem the place the Home Lock Screen widget doesn’t precisely show Home app standing.
- Addresses a problem the place Siri could not reply correctly to music requests.
- Resolves points the place Siri requests in AutomotivePlay will not be understood accurately.
For extra iOS 16 information, see what new options have been added. iOS 16.2 and iOS 16.1, Here’s how one can join to check Apple’s iOS beta software programtoo.