Try Now the New iPhone Features

Although iOS 16 is the generic name for the new iPhone software version, this includes all the intermediate updates that will be arriving before iOS 17. 

One month and 10 days after the iOS 16.2 update, Apple released the latest iOS 16.3 update. And while we all understand that system fixes are necessary, now, and then it is not a terrible thing when new features appear. 

So, the last January 23, Apple released iOS 16.3 including important bug fixes. Like some bugs registered on the iPhone that affected performance, to security patches that ensure coverage of the vulnerabilities discovered in the browser. Also, it brings some useful new features to your iPhone, like security keys and an update to emergency SOS via satellite. 

This update was released together with other updates for other Apple software, like iPadOS, Safari and previous versions of iOS. 

Here are the new features landing with iOS 16.3. 

New Unity wallpaper 

This update also includes a new iPhone wallpaper as part of Apple’s Black Unity Collection. This collection celebrates Black History Month with a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, moreover plans to release a selection of Black History Month content for Apple TV, Fitness Plus, Music, Maps, Books, Podcasts and the App Store as part of the collection. 

New ways to access Emergency SOS via satellite 

The Emergency SOS via satellite feature was introduced at Apple’s event in September. In iOS 16.3 update, the Call with Hold option has been replaced for one more complete: Call with Hold and Release. If you enable Call with Hold and Release, you can hold the side button and a volume button to initiate a countdown and an alarm. After the countdown, you release the buttons and your iPhone will call emergency services on its own.  

Also exist other option where you can Call Quietly in Emergency SOS. If you are enabling this option, when you try to make an emergency SOS call, your phone will not start flashing or making an alarm sound. 

Support for the second-gen HomePod 

iOS 16.3 software also adds support for the second-generation HomePod. Which was announced just 4 days before the latest iOS software was available. 

Security keys come to Apple ID 

They are similar keys to your home. You still use passwords, but this extra layer of security can help protect you against phishing frauds and hackers. 

And now, users can now use third-party security keys instead of only the two-factor authentication for their Apple ID. 

If the description of the characteristics was not enough, here is Apple’s list iOS 16.3: 

• Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards. 
• Addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen. 
• Fixes an issue where horizontal lines may temporarily appear while waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max. 
• Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately display Home app status. 
• Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests. 
• Resolves issues where Siri requests in CarPlay may not be understood correctly.