Apple rolls out iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 with Security Keys for Apple ID, HomePod 2nd Gen support, bug fixes and more


After beta updates, Apple has released the stable iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates for iPhone and iPad, as it had promised. For iPhone and iPad, the update brings Security Keys for Apple ID, and includes other enhancements, bug fixes, and security updates.

The update introduces a new Unity wallpaper to honor Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month for iPhone.

Security Keys for Apple ID

Security Keys now allow users to use third-party hardware security keys. This tool is for public figures who suffer threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and politicians.

With the use of a physical key instead of the six-digit code, security keys strengthen the two-factor authentication process, preventing even an advanced attacker from phishing a user’s second factor.

With the update, Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing instead of just simply pressing the buttons to activate Emergency SOS, in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls.

Check out the complete changelog below.

iOS 16.3 update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

  • New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month
  • Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process on new devices
  • Support for HomePod (2nd generation)
  • 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 horizontal lines may temporarily appear while waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max
  • 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

iPadOS 16.3 update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

  • Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two-factor authentication sign in process on new devices
  • Support for HomePod (2nd generation)
  • 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 Siri may not respond properly to music requests

Source 1, 2


Author: Srivatsan Sridhar

Srivatsan Sridhar is a Mobile Technology Enthusiast who is passionate about Mobile phones and Mobile apps. He uses the phones he reviews as his main phone. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram