The five best new features of Apple’s iOS 16.3 update released TODAY… including one that could literally be a lifesaver
Apple’s latest iOS software update is here, and it includes a handful of new features — one of which could be a real lifesaver.
IOS 16.3 works with iPhone 8+ devices. To download, open the Settings app, go to General and select Software Update.
Along with the usual bug fixes and quality of life improvements, the theme of this update seems to be security.
highlights the top five new features:
Apple’s latest iOS software update is here, and it’s packed with a slew of new features — one of which could be a real lifesaver
With Emergency SOS you can call silently
Apple’s Emergency SOS service has been updated so that you can now call silently if you enable the feature via a slider option (useful in situations where an attacker might be present).
It’s an option you enable so the phone doesn’t blink or countdown when you make an SOS call through the emergency SOS service.
The emergency SOS service has also been optimized to reduce the chance of accidental triggering.
A new Call With Hold and Release feature triggers an emergency call when you press and hold a side button and volume button to start a countdown and then release them to trigger an emergency call (previously it was triggered when the user simply pressed the keys held down).
Security key for improved two-factor security
The new update adds support for physical security keys instead of using a verification code from another device.
Users can secure their Apple ID and iCloud account with security keys – a physical device that acts as a second layer of two-factor authentication.
So instead of getting a passcode from another registered Apple device, you generate a passcode using the security key.
Apple won’t make its own, but the new service will work with existing security keys from brands like Yubikey.
Homepod gets a lot better
New announcements make it easy to handoff music, podcasts, and phone calls from a phone to the Apple Homepod speaker.
The new update also adds support for the next-gen Homepod speaker.
Several other features Apple announced earlier this month (along with the second-generation Homepod speaker) will go live with Software Update 16.3.
Among other things, it activates a previously unused temperature and humidity sensor inside the Homepod speaker to give users information about their indoor climate.
There are several audio upgrades, including sharpened audio for spoken content like podcasts and remastered ambient sounds that can be added to automations and alarms in tApple’s Home app.
The Find My app on Homepod also allows users to ask Siri for the location of friends or family (they must have shared this information with you beforehand).
Extended data protection
This update enables end-to-end encryption for data in iCloud, including messages, device backups, and photos.
It also means Apple will no longer store encryption keys in iCloud – meaning your data is safe even if Apple’s servers are breached or law enforcement tries to gain access
Apple says: “When you turn on Advanced Data Protection, most of your iCloud data — including iCloud backup, photos, notes, and more — is protected with end-to-end encryption. Nobody else can access your end-to-end encrypted data, not even Apple, and that data stays safe even in the event of a data breach in the cloud.”
The downside, of course, is that you’ll have to set up an alternate recovery method – either a trusted contact or a recovery key – since Apple no longer has the keys to get you back into your account.
Advanced Data Protection was introduced as part of the 16.2 update in the US: this new update brings it worldwide.
You can celebrate Black History Month
Apple has released a Black Unity-themed iPhone wallpaper for the lock screen, which will launch with iOS 16.3.
Apple says: “Members of Apple’s Black Creative Community and allies came together to create this year’s Black Unity Collection, designing the new expressions inspired by the creative process of the mosaic and reflecting the vibrancy of Black communities and the power of unity celebrate.”
