Apple unleashed iOS 16.3 to public beta testers on Thursday (12/15), permitting customers to experiment with the up to date software program for the primary time. This follows the discharge of the primary iOS 16.3 beta to builders on Wednesday.
Customers who’ve signed up for the Apple Beta Software program program can discover iOS 16.3 as we converse. Naturally, you might be questioning if there are any cool new options to look ahead to with this replace. For now, the quick reply is not any.
iOS 16.3 public beta new options
iOS 16.3 seems to be a much less substantial replace in comparison with iOS 16.2, which launched Apple Music Sing, Freeform, and different thrilling options. Nonetheless, security-minded customers will admire the truth that the brand new replace now helps bodily safety keys, including a brand new layer of safety to Apple ID.
These bodily safety keys should be FIDO-certified, and no, Apple will not be promoting them. Nonetheless, you should purchase third-party {hardware} keys, reminiscent of this GoTrust Idem Key (opens in new tab) from Amazon, to offer a stronger protection in opposition to hackers, cybercriminals, and different nefarious characters.
One other novel characteristic noticed in iOS 16.3 is a brand new how-to information that delves into how customers can make the most of the Handoff characteristic with their HomePod and iPhone. Handoff lets customers launch a process on one Apple system earlier than seamlessly persevering with it on one other. (By the way in which, Handoff with HomePod and iPhone just isn’t a brand new characteristic; this cool perk launched final 12 months.)
To this point, these are minor adjustments, however within the close to future, there’s an opportunity we may hear about extra eye-catching options that may slide into the upcoming, normal public launch of iOS 16.3.
In accordance with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, iOS 16.3 may formally hit iPhones in February or early March.
