iOS 16.3 from Apple now supports physical security keys

Additionally, the update modifies how you contact emergency services.

With the launch of iOS 16.3, Apple increased the security of its mobile operating system. iOS users can now use physical security keys for their Apple ID's two-factor authentication (2FA) for the first time. Celebrities, journalists, and government workers who face extraordinary security threats will now be further protected by this new safeguard, which was disclosed by the corporation last year.

Phishing attacks, which con users into granting an intruder access through 2FA, should be avoided with the aid of physical key support. Only individuals with physical access to the key can access your account if you use a device like the YubiKey. The majority of security keys use USB, while some can be plugged into the iPhone's Lightning connection. NFC and Bluetooth keys, however, ought to function with the iPhone, and you may use Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter to attach a USB key.

Additionally updated in iOS 16.3 are the Emergency SOS controls. Holding down the power and volume-up buttons will still allow you to contact emergency services, but it will wait to dial 911 until you let go of the buttons. This enables you to cancel before alerting the emergency services.

Additionally, the update includes bug fixes for problems including strokes not showing up on shared Freeform app boards, horizontal lines showing up on the iPhone 14 Pro Max after waking up, and a glitch that prohibited the Home lock screen widget from displaying the status of the Home app. Finally, it includes compatibility for the newest HomePod of the second generation.

By going to Settings > General > Software Update on a compatible device, you may install the update.