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iOS 16.3 now available with support for new HomePod, security keys

Apple has released iOS 16.3, bringing support for the newly-announced HomePod and physical security keys used for two-factor authentication.

Following a beta period that started on December 14, the update for iOS 16.3 is now downloadable to iPhone. It doesn't appear to have many user-facing updates, though it ensures compatibility with the new HomePod and its features.

The update includes support for hardware security keys, such as those from Yubico, that can be used for two-factor authentication for an Apple ID. Those with a notable public presence will benefit from the feature, such as journalists, celebrities, and politicians.

Advanced Data Protection has now launched globally. Users who wish to activate the iCloud security feature outside of the United States will need to ensure every device on their Apple ID is running iOS 16.3.

The larger set of updates for this release cycle are focused on HomePod. Users will be able to see the temperature and humidity sensors found in the new HomePod and HomePod mini within the Home app.

How to install iOS 16.3 on the iPhone

  • Open the Settings app.
  • Select General.
  • Select Software Update.
  • Select "Update to iOS 16.3."

If an iPhone is set to automatically update, it will handle downloading and installing iOS 16.3 on the user's behalf.



20 Comments

DAalseth 7 Years · 3131 comments

Does anyone know why you download the update, it verifies the update, then when you tell it to install it verifies the update again? I mean I’m all for security, but literally it just did that,

3 Likes · 0 Dislikes
beowulfschmidt 13 Years · 2387 comments

DAalseth said:
Does anyone know why you download the update, it verifies the update, then when you tell it to install it verifies the update again? I mean I’m all for security, but literally it just did that,
Yeah, not only that, but I really appreciate the convenience of pressing the "Download and Install" link, and then having to press the "Install" link after it's downloaded.

And has anyone else noticed that a Yubikey is just a number, albeit a long one?  A never changing number?

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
MBear 3 Years · 8 comments

Did I miss something? My HomePods haven’t updated and I can’t see anything different in the climate tab of Home. 

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
dutchlord 8 Years · 294 comments

Skip this one due to lack of any value.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
DAalseth 7 Years · 3131 comments

MBear said:
Did I miss something? My HomePods haven’t updated and I can’t see anything different in the climate tab of Home. 

The article just says it assures compatibility with HomePod. AFAIK there’s no front facing changes we’d notice.

dutchlord said:
Skip this one due to lack of any value.

Security updates are ALWAYS worth updating for. 

4 Likes · 0 Dislikes