Apple launches iOS 16.3 with support for physical security keys

With the 16.3 software update that was released today, Apple improved iOS’s security. iOS users can now use physical security keys for their Apple ID’s two-factor authentication for the first time. The company announced this new measure last year, giving celebrities, journalists, and government workers who face unusual security threats additional protection.

Phishing scams, which can trick users into granting an intruder access through 2FA, should be prevented with physical key support. When you use a device like the YubiKey, only people who have the actual key can access your account. The majority of security keys use USB, though some plug into the iPhone’s Lightning port. However, the iPhone should be compatible with NFC and Bluetooth keys, and you can connect a USB key to the Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.

Emergency SOS controls have also been updated in iOS 16.3. You can still press the power and volume-up buttons to call emergency services, but it won’t call 911 until you release them. You can cancel this way before emergency services are informed.

Additionally, the update addresses bugs that prevented the Home lock screen widget from displaying the Home app’s status, horizontal lines appearing on the iPhone 14 Pro Max after waking, and strokes not appearing on shared boards in the Freeform app. Lastly, it adds support for the brand-new HomePod of the second generation.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the update on a device that is compatible.

Topics #Apple #iOS 16.3 #physical security keys