It's been more than four months since Apple delivered the first stable version of iOS 16 to all eligible "iDevices" around the world, and largely in keeping with tradition, the company is now ready for its third (semi) major "point" upgrade.
Compared to the iOS 16.2 collection of new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes released to the public a little over a month ago, iOS 16.3 feels just a tad lighter, although the changelog is still fairly lengthy.
All the changes in one list
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.
What are the most exciting new features and enhancements?
If you're excited about the impending commercial arrival of the decidedly familiar-looking HomePod 2, you probably won't be surprised to see your existing iPhone getting ready to pair nicely with said (lightly) upgraded smart speaker.
Although not listed in the official iOS 16.3 changelog, the software update is also expected to vastly improve the HomePod mini by allowing the diminutive smart speaker to finally use its latent temperature and humidity sensor for, well, the purposes it was created in the first place.
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In terms of all-new features and capabilities, perhaps the most important thing included here are security keys for Apple ID, which are... pretty well-explained above. Of course, you will need to purchase an actual physical key to improve your Apple ID security and prevent the hacking of your account, but if you're someone who constantly fears something like that could happen to them, it's definitely nice to get the extra two-factor authentication option.
As far as bug fixes are concerned, the most well-known and widespread issue about to be resolved concerns none other than Apple's (jumbo-sized) crown jewel right now, which has been acting out for some users for a little while during its unlocking process.
Those pesky horizontal lines on your massive iPhone 14 Pro Max display should become a thing of the past after you install iOS 16.3, which you can do right now but may want to hold off on for a couple of days to make sure no new bugs appear.
It's pretty rare for something like that to happen, of course, but it's better to be safe than sorry, especially when there seem to be no game-changing or life-altering upgrades baked into this new OS iteration. iPadOS 16.3 is also rolling out for supported iPads with a significantly shorter changelog and its marquee new feature "borrowed" from iOS 16.3: support for security keys for Apple ID fortification.
Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.
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