Apple releases iOS 16.3: Check what’s new

Today, Apple issued iOS 16.3 to all supported devices as promised last week.

You may download the update by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update if you have a compatible iPhone and it hasn't yet told you that it's available.

What’s new?

For physical two-factor authentication for Apple ID logins, the new version supports Security Keys for Apple ID. You also get support for the recently released second-generation HomePod as well as new Unity Wallpapers.

To activate the Emergency SOS feature, hold down the side button and the volume up or down button simultaneously. The call won't be placed until the buttons are released. This has been done to prevent inadvertent calls.

Bug fixes

Of course, there are a number of bug fixes as well, such as a problem in Freeform where some finger or Apple Pencil strokes wouldn't appear on shared boards, a problem that made the lock screen wallpaper appear black, a problem that caused horizontal lines to briefly appear while waking up the iPhone 14 Pro Max, and a problem that prevented the lock screen widget for the Home app from accurately displaying status.

Siri queries made through CarPlay may now be understood properly, and a fault that caused it to respond improperly to music requests has also been fixed.

Apple has also issued iOS 15.7.3 for iOS 15 users, and iOS 12.5.7 for iOS 12 users with considerably older devices. You should probably install both of these security updates as soon as possible.

In addition to a new watch face and undisclosed performance enhancements and bug fixes, watchOS 9.3 is finally out. This is accessible via the iPhone's Apple Watch app.