iOS 16.3 change review: Hardware security keys, HomePod feature updates, and more

iOS 16.3 also paves the way for the new second-generation HomePod, which is scheduled to be released on February 3. But even if you don’t plan on dropping $299 for Apple’s newest smart speaker, you’ll be pleased to learn that iOS 16.3 includes enhancements for the first-generation HomePod and the HomePod mini. Watch my hands-on video walkthroughs for a visual breakdown of what’s new.

What’s new in iOS 16.3?

Hardware security keys for Apple ID

iOS 16.3 brings a few big new security-focused features to the iPhone and iPad, headlined by support for third-party hardware security keys. Alongside your Apple ID password, hardware security keys can be used in iOS 16.3 as the second factor in a two-factor authentication setup. Thus, third-party hardware security keys replace the six-digit codes that are sent to trusted devices, which otherwise serve as the second factor.

Apple notes that more than 95 percent of active iCloud accounts now use its standard two-factor authentication, but iOS 16.3 affords users the ability to harden this protection even further.

HomePod mini temperature and humidity sensor activation

Even if you don’t plan on purchasing a new second-generation HomePod, iOS 16.3 provides new features. The HomePod mini shipped with dormant temperature and humidity sensors, but they weren’t activated until the release of iOS 16.3. Once you update to the latest iOS 16.3 update, you’ll notice a new temperature and humidity reading under the Home app’s climate section and within each HomePod’s detailed view. You can use these sensors to view current readings, ask Siri about them, or use them with automations to trigger other smart home products.

Remastered ambient sounds for HomePods

Everyone knows that you can play Apple Music on the HomePod, but did you know that you can also request ambient sounds like white noise and rain? In iOS 16, ambient sounds have been remastered, and you’ll now find a direct link to these sounds that can be added to alarms, scenes, and automations. In all, you’ll find seven ambient sounds to choose from, like fireplace, forest, night, orientation, rain, stream, and white noise.

Recurring Home automations using just your voice

You can now create a recurring automation with your voice by saying something like “turn on the desk lamp every day at 10pm.” Once you do, you’ll see the respective automation appear within the Home app’s automation tab.

Siri confirmation tone for completed requests

Siri arrives with a new confirmation tone in iOS 16.3, which indicates when requests are completed for accessories that don’t visibly display a change, or for smart home items located in other areas around your house.

Updated volume controls on HomePod

You’ll find more granular volume controls when using the buttons on the top of your first-generation HomePod to adjust its volume. You should notice that there’s more “dynamic range” between absolute zero and lower volumes.

Sound Recognition

Although this feature is not yet available, the HomePod mini will be updated later with sound recognition support. This feature is currently available as an accessibility setting within iOS 16, as found in Settings → Accessibility → Sound Recognition.

When enabled, Sound Recognition allows your iPhone to listen for specific sounds, such as fire alarms or smoke alarms, household sounds like glass breaking, a knock on the door, or a kettle, people sounds — babies crying, coughing, or shouting — and even sounds from cats and dogs. You’ll then receive a push notification whenever your iPhone recognizes these sounds.

Sound recognition support for second-generation HomePod and HomePod mini will be available later this spring. The HomePod version of Sound Recognition appears to be a pared down version when compared to the iOS 16 accessibility setting.

In a future update, your HomePod will be able to detect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and send you a notification to alert you. Apple notes that sound recognition will require the new Home architecture update, which Apple pulled back due to some issues but plans to make available again soon.