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 some notable features, including the release of Advanced Data Protection for users outside the US. In conjunction with watchOS 9.3, it adds the new Unity watch face and wallpaper to celebrate 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), ambient sounds remastered, a new Siri confirmation sound, and new audio tuning for spoken word content like podcasts.
It also brings two anticipated bugfixes. One will fix whatever is causing horizontal lines to appear when restarting some iPhone 14 devices, and it should restore the Home app upgrade that was retired in December. This latest patch may not appear initially, but should be rolling out to users over the next few weeks, as Apple 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 increase account security by requiring a physical security key as part of the two-factor authentication sign-in process on new devices.
- Emergency SOS calls now require holding down the side button with the volume up or down button and then releasing to avoid inadvertent emergency calls
- Fixes an issue in Freeform where certain drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
- Fixes an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the lock screen
- Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately display the status of the Home app
- Fixes an issue where Siri may not respond correctly to music requests
- Fixes 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 flaw that could allow an app ” to access a user’s contact information”.
