Apple released iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 on Monday evening. The company introduces support for physical security keys for Apple accounts. Advanced Data Protection with more extensive e2e encryption for iCloud will also be available worldwide.
Apple adds Security Keys for Apple ID to the new iOS and iPadOS versions. This allows users to set up a physical FIDO security key as a Yubikey, which is then required to sign in to new devices with an Apple account. Users must have two different security keys for this, with one serving as a backup. Apple announced the arrival of that feature last year, saying it would be available “early 2023”.
With the software updates Advanced Data Protection for iCloud will also be available worldwide. This means that more types of data are provided with end-to-end encryption in iCloud. This includes, for example, photos, notes, voice memos, device backups, reminders, and Messages app backups. Such files are currently not end-to-end encrypted. Users can enable Advanced Data Protection in iOS Settings, under “iCloud” in the “Apple ID” menu.
The update also adds a new Unity wallpaper and support for the recently announced HomePod smart speaker. Furthermore, it is now required to press the power button and a volume button at the same time to use the Emergency SOS function. This should prevent users from accidentally calling an emergency number. Apple also talks about various bug fixes.
