The second beta of iOS 16.3 has been released by Apple and so far only one new feature and two other minor changes have been discovered in the software update. It’s possible that iOS 16.3 will also include various bug fixes and security updates.
For the public, it should be available in the next month or so, and there is a possibility that more features will be added in later beta versions.
In the meantime, we have provided additional details about the three changes discovered so far below.
Security Keys for Apple IDs
The first iOS 16.3 beta enabled a new Security Keys for Apple ID feature that Apple said will be available globally in early 2023.
This feature helps users to further protect their account as it gives them the option to use hardware security keys.
For users who enable this feature, Security Keys strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of the two factors instead of a verification code from another Apple device.
Apple does not plan to release its own hardware security keys. The feature will rely on third-party security keys available from brands like Yubico, such as the YubiKey 5Ci, which has both Lightning and USB-C connectors for use with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
HomePod Handoff Prompt
A new prompt to transfer/hand off music from an iPhone to a HomePod has been added in the first iOS 16.3.
Only the prompt itself is new, as the HomePod audio handoff feature already existed.
Emergency SOS Settings Rewording
For some Emergency SOS options in the Settings app to be even clearer, wording has been tweaked by Apple in the second beta of iOS 16.3.
“Call with Hold” is now “Call with Hold and Release,” “Call with 5 Presses” is now “Call with 5 Button Presses,” and “Countdown Sound” is now “Call Quietly.” The descriptions for each have also been updated. “Call Quietly” is toggled off by default, which is equivalent to “Countdown Sound” being toggled on.
