Here’s what’s new in iOS 16.3 for your iPhone so far

Apple released a file The second beta of iOS 16.3 Earlier this week, and so far one new feature and two other minor changes were discovered in the software update. iOS 16.3 is also likely to include several bug fixes and security updates.

iOS 16.3 should be publicly released within the next month or so, and it’s possible that more features will be added in later betas. In the meantime, we’ve provided additional details on the three changes discovered below so far.

Security keys for Apple IDs

The first beta of iOS 16.3 has been enabled new Security keys for the Apple ID feature which Apple said will be available globally in early 2023. The feature gives users the option to use hardware security keys to further protect their accounts. For users who enable this feature, Security Keys strengthens Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a device security key as a factor 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 that are available from brands such as Yubico, e.g Yubiki 5cwhich has Lightning and USB-C connectors for use with iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

HomePod delivery prompt

As noted before Max Weinbach On Twitter, the first beta of iOS 16.3 added a new prompt to transfer/deliver music from iPhone to HomePod. Only the router itself is new, as is the HomePod’s audio streaming feature already exist.

Reworked emergency SOS settings

In the second beta of iOS 16.3, Apple has modified the wording for some Emergency SOS options in the Settings app to be more clear.

“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 turned off by default, which is equivalent to turning on “Countdown Sound”.