iOS 16.3 for iPhone users is here; know what has changed for you

The iOS 16.3 beta 2 is now rolling out to public beta testers. Your iPhone experience will change in many ways including Emergency SOS Settings and Security Keys.

After the public beta is over, all iPhone users, who update their phones, will see new features with iOS 16.3. It will take time for all users to get it. (Amritanshu / HT Tech)

Last month, iOS 16.2 provided iPhone users with many fancy new features including customized always-on-display feature, Advance Data Protection, Apple Music Sing feature in the Music app, a new Free Form app and more. Now, Apple is rolling out the iOS 16.3 beta 2 version to public beta testers. It is also possible that iOS 16.3 may bring more security updates and bug fixes. As per a MacRumors report, iOS 16.3 should be available to the general public within the next month or so. Here's what's new so far in iOS 16.3 update for iPhone users.

New HomePod Handoff Prompt

Tipster Max Weinbach took to Twitter to share that the first iOS 16.3 beta update added a new feature that will basically prompt an iPhone user to transfer or hand off music to HomePod.

Updated words in Emergency SOS Settings

Another feature noted by MacRumors in the second beta of iOS 16.3 is the recording in the Emergency SOS settings on iPhone. These settings will be even clearer. The report mentioned that "Call with Hold" is now "Call with Hold and Release," while "Call with 5 Presses" will be read as "Call with 5 Button Presses." Similarly, "Countdown Sound" is reworded as "Call Quietly." Not just that, Apple also provided the descriptions for each command.

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Security Keys for Apple IDs

Another update that got attention is the Security Keys for Apple ID. Apple had said that it will be available globally in early 2023, and here it is! The Security Keys for Apple ID features allow you to use hardware security keys to further protect your account. Once you enable this feature, then Security Keys strengthens while using two-factor authentication of Apple by a hardware security key as one of the two factors. However, the feature will rely on third-party security keys available from brands such as YubiKey 5Ci which comes with Lightning and USB-C connectors, the report mentioned.

However, further iOS 16 beta updates are supposed to release even newer features.