Apple Releases iOS 16.3 with Several Improved Features, Including Advanced Data Protection

JAKARTA - Apple has released iOS 16.3, which adds the ability to use a security key to lock your Apple ID. This version appears to bring the company's Advanced Data Protection features for iCloud to countries outside the US. This version also revamps the Emergency SOS calling system, includes a new "Unity" wallpaper, and adds support for the second-generation HomePod.

Last year, Apple announced a hardware lock feature, which would allow users to use something like Yubikey as a second factor to sign into Apple accounts, as part of a push to help people lock their iCloud accounts.

Also included in the announcement is Advanced Data Protection, which expands the types of end-to-end encrypted data in users' cloud storage. The feature made its way to the US in iOS 16.2, but an update released on Monday, January 23, seems to make it available globally.

Apple has removed the note from support documents saying it is only available in the US, and the public has seen at least one report of someone in another country saying the update is now available as well.

The Verge report also predicts that iOS 16.3 will support some nice new features for HomePod Mini owners once the device also gets a new software update.

The most notable change is the smart speaker which will act as a temperature and humidity sensor, which can be used in automation. The update also lets users set up automation using voice and asking Siri where family, friends, and Find My devices are.

Several new features in iOS 16.3

• New Unity Wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month
• Security Key for Apple ID lets users strengthen their account security by requesting 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 down the side button with the volume up or down button and then releasing it to prevent accidental emergency calls
• Fixed an issue in Freeform where some doodles made with the Apple Pencil or your finger might not appear on the shared board
• Addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen
• Fixed an issue where horizontal lines might temporarily appear when waking the iPhone 14 Pro Max
• Fixed an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget would not accurately display the Home app state
• Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests
• Resolves an issue where Siri requests in CarPlay might not be understood correctly