Apple released the second beta of iOS 16.3 earlier this week, and so far the software update has only revealed one new feature and two other minor changes. It is possible that iOS 16.3 also includes various bug fixes and security updates. iOS 16.3 will be released to the public in the next month and more features are likely to be added in later beta versions. In the meantime, we’ve provided more details on the three changes discovered so far below.

Security keys for Apple ID

The first beta of iOS 16.3 enabled the new “Security Keys for Apple ID” feature that Apple says will be available worldwide in early 2023. This feature allows users to use hardware security keys to further protect their accounts. Security keys for users who enable this feature strengthen Apple’s two-factor authentication by requiring a hardware security key as one of two factors instead of a verification code from another Apple device. Apple has no plans to release its own hardware security keys. This feature will rely on third-party security keys available from brands such as Yubico, such as the YubiKey 5Ci with both Lightning and USB-C connectors for use with iPhones, iPads and Macs.

HomePod Switch Prompt

As Max Weinbach noted on Twitter, the first iOS 16.3 beta added a new tip for streaming/streaming music from iPhone to HomePod. Only the tip itself is new, as the HomePod audio streaming feature is already available.

Rearrangement of emergency call settings

In the second beta of iOS 16.3, Apple changed the wording of some of the emergency call options in the Settings app to make it even clearer.

Retain Ring is now Hold & Release Ring, 5 Push Ring is now 5 Button Press Ring, and Countdown Sound is now Silent Ring. The descriptions for each have also been updated. Silent Ring is turned off by default, which is equivalent to turning on the Countdown Sound.