New iPhone update promises more security for iCloud

The new iPhone update iOS 16.3 is now available for free download. Apple is thus delivering a long-awaited function: end-to-end encryption for iCloud. The release date should not be a coincidence, but there is another reason.

iOS 16.3: Apple releases new iPhone update

With iOS 16.2, Apple released a new function update for the iPhone just before Christmas. This is usually followed by minor security updates. With iOS 16.3, however, the iPhone group is now adding another update with new functions.

iOS 16.3 is not a pure function update, but also fixes some bugs. However, one new, long-awaited feature in particular stands out: end-to-end encryption for iCloud. Irrespective of this, the release date has a different background.

Because Apple will soon be launching a second generation of its HomePod. In order to set up the speaker, it needs to be linked to other devices such as the iPhone. And they in turn need an update to connect: iOS 16.3

End-to-end encryption for iCloud

However, the most important new feature of iOS 16.3 is end-to-end encryption for iCloud. After the feature was already available in some other countries, the new iPhone update is now also coming to Germany.

Data such as contacts, photos and the like were previously relatively well protected in the Apple cloud. However, they have not yet been encrypted. With the “Extended data protection” function, however, this is now possible. According to Apple, unauthorized persons can no longer gain access to the data.

Because: They can only be opened by the devices that have been assigned to the account. With iOS 16.3, Apple also closes some minor security gaps and fixes bugs. To trigger the emergency call function, for example, users now have to press both the power button and the volume button at the same time.

This is primarily to prevent false alarms. The new iPhone update also fixes a bug where background images were displayed almost completely black.

Install iOS 16.3

iOS 16.3 has been available for free download since January 23, 2023. Apple traditionally recommends timely installation. The new iPhone update is available for all models from iPhone 8 onwards. The version can be downloaded via the device settings under “General” and “Software update”.

With iPadOS 16.3, the US group has also released a new update for the iPad. The new iPad software is available for all Pro models, all iPads Air from the third generation and all iPads and iPad Minis from the fifth generation. Also: New updates for Safari, the Apple Watch and numerous Mac models.

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