iOS 16.3 Update Release, iPadOS 16.3 with iCloud End-to-End Encryption and Security Keys Support Details

The iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates have begun rolling out to eligible iPhone and iPad models. The stable iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates come 4 months after the first iOS 16 update was released by the Cupertino, California-based tech giant. The latest Apple smartphones will now support advanced data protection, which adds support for end-to-end encryption in iCloud. The update also adds support for security keys, which means that Apple devices now support physical security keys for two-factor authentication. The update also includes other bug fixes, performance improvements, and support for the Apple HomePod (2nd generation) on supported iPhone models.

According to Apple List of changes Announcing the iOS 16.3 stable update, iPhone 8 and newer users can now turn on advanced data protection in their iCloud accounts, which will protect data from apps like Messages, Photos, and Safari. Meanwhile, the latest iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 updates also introduce support for using physical security keys for two-factor authentication when signing in with an Apple ID for added security.

As part of the latest iOS 16.3, Apple also introduced support for the new HomePod (2nd generation), which makes it easy to pair and transfer music between iPhone and Apple HomePod (2nd generation).

Meanwhile, the SOS emergency call mechanism has also been updated in iOS 16.3, and now the user needs to release the power and volume toggle buttons to trigger an emergency SOS call. The update also fixes an issue with the FreeForm app where drawing strokes created with an Apple Pencil or hand would not show up on shared boards.

The update also fixes bugs that caused the lock screen to dim, horizontal lines when waking up the iPhone 14 Pro Max, the Home lock screen widget not properly displaying the status of the Home app, and Siri not responding to music requests, according to the company.

Apple has also unveiled the new Unity wallpaper that the company announced earlier as part of its celebration of Black History Month in the US in February as part of the iOS 16.3 update.