A few hours after Apple released iOS 16.2 with a handful of features, the company is now starting the beta testing process. iOS 16.3 Beta 1 has already started rolling out to developers.
What’s New In iOS 16.3 Beta 1?
At the time of writing this article, only a handful of new features have been spotted in the initial iOS 16.3 beta.
However, this is likely to change as people have more time to dig into the software release and its code.
For now, the highlight seems to be the addition of support for physical Apple ID security keys and the new Splash Screen.
1. New Splash Screen
iOS 16.3 beta 1 brings a new splash screen demonstrating Music Handoff between an iPhone and a HomePod. The feature itself isn’t new, only the introductory screen is new.
2. Apple ID Security Keys Support
As discovered by MacRumors, the Beta update introduces support for physical FIDO-certified security keys. These keys act as an optional layer of added security to your Apple ID.
After setting one up, every time you log into your Apple ID account, you will need to scan or plug in the physical security key instead of relying on a two-factor authentication code sent to your other Apple devices.
We will update this article as more changes and features emerge but in the meantime, you can check Apple’s official Release Notes.
This is where the company typically highlights some of the known bugs and fixes included in a particular release.
How To Install The Beta Update
If you have the iOS 16 Developer Beta profile installed, you can update your compatible iPhone to iOS 16.3 beta 1 by following the steps below:
- Launch the Settings app.
- Head to the General section.
- Tap on Software Update.
- Give the page a few second to refresh.
- The update will then appear.
- Tap on Download and install.
- Agree to the Terms of Service, after reading them thoroughly and carefully.
- Make sure your iPhone is connected to a power source until the update finishes downloading and installing.
- Voila! You’re now running iOS 16.3 beta 1.
