Apple's latest iPhone update has arrived and along with the usual bug fixes there's a change to the Emergency SOS function as well as a new security feature.
Released overnight, the free update can be downloaded onto your iPhone by heading to the 'Settings' menu, tap on 'General' then 'Software Update'.
It should then offer you the option of downloading and installing iOS 16.3.
The iOS 16.3 software is just over 700MB so either make sure you have enough data to download it or connect to a WiFi.
The update should work on iPhone 8s and beyond.
The Mirror picks out some of the main changes which will interest all owners of an iPhone - which you can install at your leisure.
Emergency SOS
The Emergency SOS function has allowed users to make an emergency call by by holding down the side button and a volume button.
However this was apparently causing people to use the feature accidently.
With iOS 16.3 you need to hold the buttons down, then release them to make an emergency call.
Also, if you want to make the call silently, instead of triggering the countdown then the alarm, there is a new slider option to do this.
This can be useful when an attacker might be close and you don't want them to know you're calling.
New security keys
One of the biggest updates is the new security feature called Security Keys for Apple ID. It means that for those who want to strengthen their security, a physical security key can be added as part of the two-factor authentication sign-in process.
It replaces the existing method of receiving a verification code from another device.
Prepared for the new Homepod
The update is needed for anyone planning on getting the next generation Homepod speaker, due out next month. Previous updates will not be compatible with this version of the smart speaker.
Among other things, it activates a previously unused temperature and humidity sensor inside the speaker to give users information on their indoor climate.
It should also improve the audio of the Homepod, inparticular spoken word content such as podcasts.
The update will also allow users to ask Siri where their friends and family are located, though the friends and family need to share this data with the user first.
Black History Month celebration
Apple has launched a new Unity design for its wallpaper selection that honours Black history and culture. It's been released to mark Black History Month.
Apple states: "Members of Apple's Black creative community and allies came together to develop this year's Black Unity Collection and designed the new expressions inspired by the creative process of mosaic, celebrating the vibrancy of Black communities and the power of unity."
Advanced data protection
The update allows end-to-end encryption for data in iCloud including messages, device backups and photos.
It also means Apple no longer stores encryption keys within iCloud - which means your data is safe even if Apple's servers are breached or law enforcement wants to gain access.
Apple states: "If you choose to enable Advanced Data Protection, the majority of your iCloud data — including iCloud Backup, Photos, Notes, and more — is protected using end-to-end encryption. No one else can access your end-to-end encrypted data, not even Apple, and this data remains secure even in the case of a data breach in the cloud."
Bug fixes
Apple admitted there were some bug issues with some iPhone 14 Pro Max models recently which left a horizontal line on the display. The update should fix this.
Other bugs that have been fixed with iOS 16.3 include one that caused the wallpaper on the locked screen to sometimes appear black and an issue in Freeform where some drawing strokes created with Apple Pencil or your finger didn't always appear on shared boards.
