iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 arrive

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iOS 16.3 and macOS 13.2 launches are only a week away
iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, watchOS 9.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 are here.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

After a relatively short beta period, Apple on Monday released iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2 to the public. Compatible Apple Watch and Apple TV models also received watchOS 9.3 and tvOS 16.3 updates.

Usually, point releases of iOS and macOS bring several new features and changes. But that’s not the case with iOS 16.3 and macOS Ventura 13.2. Relatively light on new features, the updates focus more on bug fixes and security patches. Below is a look at all the new features in iOS 16.3, iPadOS 16.3, macOS Ventura 13.2 and watchOS 9.3.

Security Keys for Apple ID

With its latest iOS, iPadOS and macOS release, Apple is adding support for third-party FIDO-certified hardware Security Keys. So if you have two-factor authentication enabled for your Apple ID, you can log into it using a physical hardware device. The Security Key replaces the verification code that is required otherwise. You also need the Security Key when logging into a new device.

You must first set up Security Keys on your iPhone or Mac from Apple ID -> Security Keys page.

Advanced Data Protection goes global

Initially launched with iOS 16.2 in the US, Advanced Data Protection availability expands worldwide with iOS 16.3. The feature allows you to encrypt more of your data stored on iCloud for privacy and security reasons. You can check out our guide on making iCloud more secure with Advanced Data Protection by encrypting your iCloud data.

Unity wallpaper and watch face

To celebrate Black History Month, Apple includes a new Unity wallpaper and watch face with iOS 16.3 and watchOS 9.3. The company is also selling a $49 Black Unity Sport Loop to mark the occasion.

Enable HomePod mini’s hidden sensors

Alongside iOS 16.3, Apple also should release HomePod software version 16.3. It will activate the hidden temperature and humidity sensors inside the HomePod mini. The new sensors, also available on the second-gen HomePod, can be used for triggering home automations.

Support for new MacBook Pros and HomePod

Besides the new features and bug fixes, Apple’s new OS updates add support for the 2023 MacBook Pros and HomePod 2. Both products are already available for preorder, with the new Macs going on sale January 24. The new HomePod will hit retail stores on February 3.

Official iOS 16.3 release notes

You can find Apple’s official iOS 16.3 release notes highlighting all the new features and bug fixes below.

– New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month
– Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process on new devices
– Support for HomePod (2nd generation)
– Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing in order to prevent inadvertent emergency calls
– 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

You can update your iPhone or iPad to iOS 16.3 or iPadOS 16.3 from Settings -> General -> Software Update. The watchOS 9.3 update will only show up on your Apple Watch after your iPhone has updated to iOS 16.3. On Macs, grab the latest macOS release from System Settings -> General -> Software Update.

Apple first seeded the beta builds of these operating systems on December 14. The company typically beta tests new OS releases at least a couple of months before their public release.

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