Install iOS 16.3 to get these important security features and bug fixes

Apple has released iOS 16.3 to 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 notable features, including support for security keys for Apple IDs and the expansion of Advanced Data Protection to users outside the U.S. It also adds support for the new 2nd-generation 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. And in conjunction with watchOS 9.3, it adds the new Unity watch face and wallpaper in celebration of Black History Month.

It also brings anticipated bug fixes. One major one will repair whatever causing horizontal lines to appear when some iPhone 14 devices restart, and it should restore the Home app upgrade that was pulled in December. The latter fix may not appear initially but should roll out to users over the coming weeks as Apple was testing it in the latest beta.

According to the release notes, several other smaller features and fixes are also part of the update:

• Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls
• Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards
• Addresses 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 Home app status
• Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly 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 flaw that could allow an app “to access information about a user’s contacts.”