iOS 16.3 & Co. released: This is new

Apple has now released a series of updates for iPhone and Co. iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3 and macOS 13.2 are now available for download.

Compared to iOS 16.2, iOS 16.3 offers few new features and instead focuses mainly on bug fixes. However, there are a few notable new features. For example, users will now be able to use security keys for their Apple ID to increase the security of their account. To be precise, this involves using a physical security key as part of two-factor authentication when logging into new devices - you can find out more about this in our tip article. In addition, some bugs have also been fixed, such as an issue in the Freefoam app and much more.

• iOS 16.3: Add a security key to an Apple ID
• iOS 16.3: Encrypt iCloud backups – here's how

tvOS 16.3 and HomePod software 16.3 are still pending. Nevertheless, you will find a brief overview below.

iOS 16.3 & Co.: The HomePod gets new features

With HomePod software 16.3 - also known as audioOS - the temperature and humidity sensor of the HomePod mini is now activated. Apple had already confirmed this on its website. In addition, the update brings updated ambient sounds for all HomePod models as well as the ability to add these sounds to scenes, automations and alarms via the Home app.

• HomePod: Set up automation for temperature sensor

HomePod software 16.3: New features for all three models

Other new features include:

• Find My on HomePod now lets you ask Siri for the location of friends and family if they've shared it with you.
• Recurring home automations can now be set up using voice.
• Siri now makes a confirmation sound when Smart Home queries are completed for accessories that are not visible or in another room.
• Audio Tuning optimizes spoken content such as podcasts for even greater clarity on HomePod (2nd generation) and HomePod (1st generation).
• Updated volume controls on HomePod (1st generation) allow finer adjustments at lower volumes.

These are some very nice new features, especially the improvements for the first generation HomePod. Below you will find the update description in full. (Photo by Unsplash / Azamat E)

iOS 16.3 update description

This update includes the following improvements and bug fixes:

• A new Unity watch face honors Black history and culture during Black History Month.
• iCloud Advanced Privacy has more iCloud data categories (23 total) protected with end-to-end encryption, including iCloud backups, notes, and photos, so your data is protected even in the event of a cloud data breach.
• Apple ID security keys allow users to increase the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of two-factor authentication to log in on new devices.
• Support for HomePod (2nd generation).
• For emergency SOS, the side button must now be pressed and held together with one of the volume buttons and then released to prevent accidental emergency calls.
• Fixes an issue in Freeform where some strokes drawn with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards.
• Fixes an issue where a background image on the lock screen may appear black.
• Fixes an issue where horizontal lines may appear after iPhone 14 Pro Max wakes from sleep.
• Fixes an issue where the Home widget on the lock screen does not correctly display the status of the Home app.
• Fixes an issue where Siri does not respond correctly to music requests.
• Fixes an issue where Siri requests may not be understood correctly in CarPlay.

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