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Release appearance

iOS 16.3 Public

Source-linked record
Public release

Recorded context

About this appearance

iOS 16.3 strengthened Apple ID sign-in, added HomePod support and a commemorative wallpaper, and revised Emergency SOS activation.

Date
Jan 23, 2023
Availability
available
Revision
No

Chronology evidence

Appearance sources

These sources support the recorded date, channel, or availability. A researched release-notes article has not been added.

  1. About iOS 16 Updates

    Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 16.3 — Emergency SOS

  2. About iOS 16 Updates

    Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 16.3 — HomePod

  3. About iOS 16 Updates

    Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 16.3 — Security Keys for Apple ID

  4. About iOS 16 Updates

    Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 16.3 — Unity wallpaper

  5. About iOS 16 Updates

    Apple Support · 2026-07-29 · iOS 16.3

Release changes

Changed in this release

Features, fixes, removals, and regressions first observed in this release record.

compatibility · introduced

Second-generation HomePod support

documentedconfirmed

The second-generation HomePod became supported.

  1. [1] About iOS 16 Updates · iOS 16.3 — HomePod

behavior · changed

Revised Emergency SOS gesture

documentedconfirmed

Apple changed the Emergency SOS button gesture to require a hold-and-release sequence.

  1. [1] About iOS 16 Updates · iOS 16.3 — Emergency SOS

feature · introduced

Unity Lock Screen wallpaper

documentedconfirmed

The release added a Unity wallpaper honoring Black history and culture.

  1. [1] About iOS 16 Updates · iOS 16.3 — Unity wallpaper

security · introduced

Security Keys for Apple ID

documentedconfirmed

Users could strengthen Apple ID two-factor authentication by requiring a physical security key during new-device sign-in.

  1. [1] About iOS 16 Updates · iOS 16.3 — Security Keys for Apple ID