Apple has released iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 developer betas and they are now available for download. If you are a registered Apple developer, then you can now download the new betas on your test devices.
iOS 16.3 beta comes a day after Apple released iOS 16.2 to public. The build number for today’s release is 20D5024e.
iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 are expected to bring several new features to our devices, however it is unclear whether today’s beta 1 release contains those changes or not.
Some of the features that are expected to be part of iOS 16.3 include Apple Card Saving Accounts and Pay Later features, Security keys for Apple ID, Apple Music Classical, Custom Accessibility Mode and availability of Advanced Data Protection for iCloud feature outside of US.
Along with iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 betas, Apple has also released macOS 13.2 beta 1, watchOS 9.3 beta 1 and tvOS 16.3 beta 1 to developers. All of these can also be installed right now after installing the right configuration profiles, which are available through the developer center.
Before today’s beta release it has been reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that Apple will release iOS 16.3 for public sometime in February or March.
New in iOS 16.3
Support for Security Keys
With iOS 16.3 beta Apple has added support for Physical Security Keys feature that was announced with the Advanced Data Protection for iCloud initiative. This feature will enable users to use a FIDO Certified security key to verify their identity when they sign in.
Users will need to insert the physical security key into the charging slot of their device to authorize. This replaces the verification codes that are sent to your devices when you are signing in.
Other changes
With iOS 16.3 Apple has added a new interface for iPhone to HomePod hand-off feature. The feature has already been part of iOS however the interface is new in iOS 16.3.
