iOS 16 3 iPadOS public beta security keys primephonic apple music classical new features

iOS 16.2 for iPhones is compatible with devices dating back to the iPhone SE (2020).

After releasing iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2 to the masses, Apple has now released the public betas of the upcoming updates for iOS and iPadOS, including new updates for watchOS, macOS and tvOS. The new public beta updates (which were also released moments before as developer betas) are labeled as iOS 16.3 and iPadOS 16.3 and are currently available for users to download after installing a certificate from the beta website. These updates mark the availability of some new features and also a long-awaited app in the form of Apple Music Classical.

According to a report by MacRumors, both operating systems received minor updates. Common features available on both include support for physical security keys to protect Apple IDs along with additional guidance on transferring a song to a HomePod (Handoff) from an iPhone. According to a 9to5Mac report, the ability to support physical security keys is a big problem. However, Apple will not manufacture its own security keys, and will take advantage of the existing ecosystem of current hardware products to implement the feature by working with the FIDO Alliance. What the system will bring to users is additional security for their Apple IDs using physical security keys for those who need them.

Another security related feature is Advanced Data Protection feature. It basically allows users to encrypt more of their data stored on iCloud servers with end-to-end encryption. Currently, Apple only allows end-to-end encryption of certain types of iCloud data such as passwords. While the feature is currently available with the recently released iOS 16.2 software update, it is limited to customers in the US. iOS 16.3, when released, will make it available in more regions, according to 9to5Mac.

Apple Music Classical, is a long-awaited service that was announced last August, after the Cupertino tech giant acquired Primephonic, the service that streamed classical music to its subscribers. Primephonic shut down its servers and was taken offline on September 7, 2021. We haven’t heard of Apple Music Classical until now. While the highlights of iOS 16.3 public beta include Apple Music Classical, it remains to be seen whether the service will be available as a separate section or app, or whether it will be integrated directly into Apple Music when the final release candidate for iOS 16.3 is available. Other new features that made it to iOS 16.3 are Apple Card Savings, which basically allows users to open a savings account with Apple. There is also a custom accessibility mode that will help users streamline their accessibility settings.

As with every beta version of any given software, all of the above features are subject to change by the time the final release candidate arrives. According to Bloomberg, Apple is reportedly targeting a release date for iOS 16.3 between February or March next year.