Apple just released the final version of iOS 16.2, iPadOS 16.2, watchOS 9.2, and macOS Ventura 13.1. However, the company is already getting a start on the next version of iOS, as the first Developer and Public beta’s for iOS 16.3. However, unlike the previous version, it doesn’t seem as though Apple is bringing any game-changing features to iPhone and iPad users this time around.
iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 aimed to bring a few of the final features that were announced alongside iOS 16 at WWDC ’22. These include things such as proper external display support for select iPad models using Stage Manager, the cross-platform Freeform app, and more. But it also introduced some surprising new features such as Advanced Data Protection and Apple Music Sing.
As for iOS 16.3, it should come as little surprise that there aren’t many new features given that it’s arriving just before the 2022 holiday season. Nevertheless, here’s what’s new in iOS 16.3, so far.
Support for Security Keys with Apple ID
As evidenced by the introduction of Advanced Data Protection, Apple is taking your privacy and security more seriously than ever. And iOS 16.3 expands on that even further, as iOS 16.3 adds support for using a physical security key when signing into your Apple ID through iCloud or on a new device.
Apple has already confirmed that it won’t be releasing a self-branded security key. However, the company is working with the FIDO Alliance to ensure that FIDO-compatible security keys will also work with iPhone models once the feature is made more widely available.
Music Handoff Splash Screen
The only other “major” change that has been found in iOS 16.3 comes for those who want to use Handoff between your iPhone and a HomePod. The splash screen has been updated to provide clearer instructions on how to use Handoff, complete with the following messages:
“Bring iPhone close to HomePod to view controls, or when playing music, to move music between iPhone and HomePod.
You can bring iPhone near HomePod again later to view controls or transfer music.”
This comes as a slight surprise given that Apple has not released a new HomePod since the HomePod Mini in November 2020. However, there are rumors that suggest Apple will be releasing an all-new (or at least an updated) HomePod sometime in 2023. So reducing any potential friction is important, and this is a step in the right direction.
What’s Still Missing?
One of the biggest features that we were expecting to see before the end of 2022 was Apple Music Classical. Apple purchased Primephonic in 2021, which was a music streaming service solely dedicated to classical music. The expectation was that Apple would roll the Primephonic integration out ahead of 2023.
Now that IOS 16.2 has been released and iOS 16.3 is available for developers and those partaking in the Public Beta, there’s still no sign of Apple Music Classical. One reason for this could be due to the nature of the holiday season, and the need to fix a plethora of bugs found across Apple’s devices following iOS 16, iPadOS 16, and macOS Ventura.
However, it’s also possible that Apple Music Classical could arrive as a separate app entirely. This is unlikely, as it would cause unnecessary confusion, as it would offer another Apple Music app that would presumably be pre-installed on your iPhone. Perhaps Apple could offer a standalone Classical app, with a completely different subscription model.
How to Download iOS 16.3
Back-Up Everything
Backing up your iPhone is extremely important if you plan to install beta versions of software. This is especially true with Developer Beta releases, as these are not intended to be installed on a device you use on a daily basis. Instead, Developer Betas are meant to be used with secondary or even tertiary iPhones so that developers can test out new features before the final release. With that being said, here’s how you can back up your iPhone if you want to install iOS 16.3:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap your profile at the top of the page.
Tap iCloud.
Select iCloud Backup from the list.
Tap the Back Up Now button.
With your backup completed, it’s time to get ready to download iOS 16.3. There is one more catch, however, that you need to be aware of.
Install iOS 16.3 Public Beta
In order to sign up for the Public Beta program, you’ll need to head over to beta.apple.com and click ‘Sign up’. From there, you’ll need to log into the same Apple ID used on your mobile devices.
After you have signed in, Apple will prompt you to select a device that you want to download iOS 16.3 on. Once selected, you will be asked to open a specific page on your iOS device.
This will allow you to install the beta profile, which is necessary to receive the updates. After you have installed the profile, iOS 16.3 updates will come via OTA, just like your regular iOS updates.
In order to actually install the iOS 16.3 Public Beta, you will want to follow these steps:
Open Settings
Click General
Select Software Updates
A prompt should appear on your device asking if you want to download and install the iOS 16.3 Public Beta.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
Write a Comment