iOS 16.3 Release Date, Features, Release Notes & More

iOS 16.3 update

iOS 16.3 Release Date

Apple usually releases at least four beta test versions, until the Release Candidate is rolled out.

Our iOS 16 timeline confirms that iOS 16.1 (Monday, October 24) required 5 beta versions + the RC release, while iOS 16.2 (Tuesday, December 13) had 4 betas and the RC.

We’re currently at Beta 1 stage, the scheduled would require a minimum of five more weeks until the iOS 16.3 public release, if test versions are released at a fast rate of 1 version per week.

This means that we can expect iOS 16.3 Beta 2 on January 9, Beta 3 on January 16, Beta 4 on January 23 and the RC version on January 30.

The soonest iOS 16.3 release date in this scenario would be <strong>Tuesday, February 7 or Wednesday, February 8, 2023.

Fact: For comparison’s sake, iOS 15.3 has been released on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

Update: Apple will release iOS 16.3 next week! The Cupertino-based tech giant has already seeded the iOS 16.3 RC version after only two betas and it announced that the public release comes in time with the release of the new M2 Pro and M2 Max MacBooks as well as the release of the new HomePod 2!

iOS 16.3 release date will most likely be Monday, January 23 or the latest Tuesday, January 24 (the day the new Macs become available in stores)!

iOS 16.3 Features

Changes and improvements included in this version are highlighted here, as soon as they’re reported in the upcoming beta version:

• 1. Physical Security Keys for Apple ID are now available in Settings -> Apple ID -> Password & Security -> Add Security Keys.
  

How to: Users that enable this feature, will use a hardware security key for two-factor authentication instead of a verification code from another Apple device.

Fact: At the moment, Apple does not plan to release its own hardware security keys. The feature requires third-party security keys like YubiKey 5Ci, which packs both Lightning and USB-C connectors for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

• 2.
• 3. To be updated!

iOS 16.3 Release Notes

The full update log will be updated here one week before the public release, as it will be available along with the Release Candidate test version.

This update includes the following enhancements and bug fixes:

• New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month.
• Security Keys for Apple ID allow users to strengthen the security of their account by requiring a physical security key as part of the two factor authentication sign in process on new devices.
• Support for HomePod (2nd generation).
• Emergency SOS calls now require holding the side button with the up or down volume button and then releasing in order to
  prevent inadvertent emergency calls.
• Fixes an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger may not appear on shared boards.
• Addresses an issue where the wallpaper may appear black on the Lock Screen.
• Fixes an issue where horizontal lines may temporarily appear while waking up iPhone 14 Pro Max.
• Fixes an issue where the Home Lock Screen widget does not accurately display Home app status.
• Addresses an issue where Siri may not respond properly to music requests.
• Resolves issues where Siri requests in CarPlay may not be understood correctly.

Are you currently testing out iOS 16.3? What bug fixes are you expecting to get? Share your feedback in the comments!

Related: For more iOS 16.3 info check our detailed Beta 1 review.