Apple today seeded the Release Candidates of iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 to developers for testing. Today’s RC comes one week after Apple seeded the second betas.
The developer RC builds are available to developers through the Apple Developer Center or over the air on devices with the proper configuration installed.
The software includes support for physical Security Keys for adding an additional layer of protection to an Apple ID.
The feature, which supports FIDO Certified security keys and will be introduced to the public in 2023, will provide users with the option to add a third-party security key to their account, which will be required for authentication when logging into a new device or otherwise accessing an Apple ID.
The Security Key replaces the verification codes that are currently sent to Apple devices when logging into another device. Apple says that physical security keys provide strong protection against phishing and unauthorized account access.
Apple’s full notes for the RC are below:
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
As usual, MacTrast and Apple both warn users to not install any betas on their daily driver iPhone or iPad. Instead, only install betas on a device set aside for testing purposes.