Apple has released iOS 16.3 bringing improvements to Advanced Data Protection for iCloud, Security Keys for Apple ID, other enhancements, bug fixes and security updates.
There’s a big new security update in iOS 16.3 with Apple launching a feature called Security Keys for Apple ID. This basically allows users to strengthen their accounts by requiring a physical security key as part of the two-factor authentication sign-in process on new devices.
For those that want stronger security, it replaces the current method of a text being sent to verify the user with an actual piece of hardware needed before things can be accessed.
iCloud Enhanced Data Protection
With the release of iOS 16.2 and macOS 13.1, Apple introduced Advanced Data Protection for ‌iCloud‌, which uses end-to-end encryption to provide Apple’s highest level of cloud data security yet. ‌iCloud‌ already protects 14 sensitive data categories using end-to-end encryption by default, including passwords in ‌iCloud‌ Keychain and Health data.
The new security feature ensures users now have the choice to protect more of their important ‌iCloud‌ data, including ‌iCloud‌ Backup, Photos, Notes, and more. Previously, the feature was only available to users in the US. It is now available globally.
Emergency SOS
Emergency SOS is a useful function that can send a message if you need emergency help. However, it seems some users have been setting it off by accident so Apple has altered the way users activate it in.
In iOS 16.3, Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing it in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls
Apple HomePod (2nd Generation)
A new HomePod will arrive early next month and those wanting to buy it will need iOS 16.3 as it makes sure the iPhone supports this new speaker.
New Wallpapers
In iOS 16.3, Apple launched a new Unity design which honours Black history and culture. It’s been released in celebration of Black History Month.
iPhone 14 Pro Max Screen Fix
Anyone who has bought a new iPhone 14 Pro Max recently will definitleu want to make sure iOS 16.3 is installed in their new phone.
Apple has confirmed that some of these flagship devices have been hit by a bug that temporarily leaves a horizontal line on the display. This has now been fixed in iOS 16.3.
Misc Bug Fixes
- 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 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
iOS 16.3 Security Fixes
iOS 16.3 also fixes 13 security issues, including three in the Kernel and a further three in the WebKit engine that underpins the Safari browser. These issues can be chained together to potentially gain control of your iPhone, so it’s advisable to update as soon as possible.
AppleMobileFileIntegrity
Impact: An app may be able to access user-sensitive data
Description: This issue was addressed by enabling hardened runtime.
ImageIO
Impact: Processing an image may lead to a denial-of-service
Description: A memory corruption issue was addressed with improved state management.
Kernel
Impact: An app may be able to leak sensitive kernel state
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Impact: An app may be able to determine kernel memory layout
Description: An information disclosure issue was addressed by removing the vulnerable code.
Impact: An app may be able to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
Mail Drafts
Impact: The quoted original message may be selected from the wrong email when forwarding an email from an Exchange account
Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management.
Maps
Impact: An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences
Description: A logic issue was addressed with improved state management.
Safari
Impact: Visiting a website may lead to an app denial-of-service
Description: The issue was addressed with improved handling of caches.
Screen Time
Impact: An app may be able to access information about a user’s contacts
Description: A privacy issue was addressed with improved private data redaction for log entries.
Weather
Impact: An app may be able to bypass Privacy preferences
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
WebKit
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: The issue was addressed with improved checks.
Impact: Processing maliciously crafted web content may lead to arbitrary code execution
Description: The issue was addressed with improved memory handling.
iOS 16.3 Supported Devices
iOS 16.2 will run on all iPhones from iPhone 8 onwards. To be exact:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 13
- iPhone 13 mini
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 mini
- iPhone 12 Pro
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 11 Pro
- iPhone 11 Pro Max
- iPhone Xs
- iPhone XS Max
- iPhone XR
- iPhone X
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
- iPhone SE (2nd generation or later)
As normal, to update to iOS 16.3, go to your iPhone Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 16.3 when you can.
