Apple releases iOS 16.3 with support for physical security keys

Apple releases iOS 16.3 update. On the menu: support for physical security keys and various fixes.

Today, Apple continues to improve iOS security with the release of the iOS 16.3 update. For the first time, iOS users can use two-factor authentication (2FA) physical security keys for their Apple ID. This new measure, announced last year by the Cupertino-based company, adds an extra layer of protection for those who are the target of threats to their safety, such as celebrities, journalists and government employees.

Apple releases iOS 16.3 update

Support for physical security keys should help prevent phishing attacks that can trick users into letting an attacker in via 2FA. Using a device like the YubiKey, only people with access to the physical key can log into your account. While some of these dongles can connect to the iPhone via the Lightning port, most of them use USB. However, NFC and Bluetooth dongles should work with the iPhone, and you can always plug in a USB dongle through the Lightning port with an adapter.

iOS 16.3 includes updates to SOS emergency management. You can still call emergency services by pressing and holding the power and volume up buttons, but now they won’t ring until you release them. This allows you to cancel the procedure before accessing the mentioned services.

In the menu: support for physical security keys and various fixes

This update also introduces a number of fixes for various issues, notably in the Freeform app, horizontal lines that appear when the iPhone 14 Pro Max wakes up, or a bug that prevents the screen widget from being locked to view the status of the Home app. iOS 16.3 also adds support for the second generation of HomePods.

If you have a compatible device, you can install the update right now by going to Settings > General > Software Update.