What’s New in iOS 16.3? The Biggest Changes Coming To Your iPhone
Apple has released iOS 16.3, the latest software update for iPhone. It is available to download now for free, and it comes with a few new features in addition to the usual bug fixes. For instance, there are some Black History Month wallpapers for your iPhone. This update comes about a month after the release of iOS 16.2. Here’s what you need to know.
iOS 16.3: The biggest new features
Here are all the new features coming to your iPhone with the release of iOS 16.3.
If you install iOS 16.3, you will get a new iPhone wallpaper as part of Apple’s Black Unity Collection that celebrates Black History Month.
The collection also includes a special-edition Apple Watch Black Unity Sport Loop, a mosaic watch face, and now, the new iPhone wallpaper. Apple said it’s also planning to release Black History Month content across Apple TV, Fitness Plus, Music, Maps, Books, Podcasts, and the App Store as part of its Black Unity Collection in February 2023.
Second-generation HomePod support
Apple recently announced a new HomePod second-generation smart speaker, which is set to launch on 3 February for $299. Apple’s iOS 16.3 software will enable your iPhone to properly work with it. The HomePod 2 is similar in size and look to the original HomePod, but it introduces new touch interface, support for humidity and temperature sensing, Thread connectivity, and more.
The original HomePod s first released in February 2018. It’s designed to work seamlessly with other Apple devices. Equipped with a high-excursion woofer and an array of seven beamforming tweeters, Pocket-lint found that it is able to deliver rich, detailed sound and powerful bass. But one of the key features of the HomePod is its integration with Apple’s virtual assistant, Siri. You can ask Siri to play music, control smart home devices, set reminders, and answer questions, all with just your voice. It’s also tightly integrated with Apple Music and supports AirPlay 2.
Also, it has built-in HomeKit support, which means users can control their smart home devices such as lights and thermostats with the speaker.
The second-gen HomePod can do all this, too.
Source: Apple/Pocket-lint
Emergency SOS via satellite change
On iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models with iOS 16.1 or later, you can use Emergency SOS via satellite to alert emergency services when you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This feature uses satellite technology to connect to emergency services. When activated, it automatically calls emergency services and sends a message to your emergency contacts with your location information.
To activate the Emergency SOS via satellite change feature on an iPhone, press and hold the power button on the side of the device. This will bring up the power off slider and an “Emergency SOS” button. If you continue to hold the power button, an alert will sound and the emergency call will be automatically placed. You can also activate Emergency SOS by triple-clicking the side button.
With iOS 16. 3, Emergency SOS via satellite has been tweaked to prevent accidental emergency calls. While calls can still be placed by holding down the side button with either the up or down volume button, if you enable Call with Hold and Release, the buttons must be released in order to place the call.
Source: www.GhanaCNN.com