Apple has released iOS 16.3 for all users with several new features, fixes and security updates for all iPhones running iOS 16. Users can update to the latest version on their iPhone and iPad in the Software update tab in the General section of the Settings app.
iOS 16.3 isn’t a huge release, but it does bring a few noteworthy features, including the release of Advanced Data Protection for users outside the U.S. When paired with watchOS 9.3, it adds the new Unity watch face and wallpaper in honor of Black History Month. It also adds support for the new 2nd-gen HomePod coming February 3, as well as a few new features for the first-gen HomePod and HomePod mini, such as temperature sensor readings (mini only), remastered ambient sounds, a new Siri confirmation sound, and new audio tuning for spoken word content such as podcasts.
It also brings two expected bug fixes. One will fix anything causing horizontal lines to appear when some iPhone 14 devices reboot, and it should restore the Home app upgrade that was pulled back in December. The latter fix may not appear initially, but should be rolled out to users in the coming weeks as Apple has included it in the latest beta.
According to the release notes, several other smaller features and fixes are also part of the update:
- Apple ID security keys 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
- SOS emergency calls now require holding the side button with volume up or down and then releasing to avoid accidental emergency calls
- Resolves an issue in Freeform where some strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
- Resolves an issue where the background appears black on the lock screen
- Resolves an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately reflect the status of the Home app
- Fixes an issue where Siri may not respond correctly to music requests
- Resolves issues where Siri requests in CarPlay may not be understood correctly
The update also includes a dozen security fixes, including a serious kernel bug that could allow an app to “execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges” and a Screen Time bug that could allow an app to “access information about a user’s contacts.”
