Apple today released iOS 16.3.1, a minor update for the iOS 16 operating system that first came out in September. iOS 16.3.1 comes over two weeks after the launch of iOS 16.3, an update that added Security Keys for Apple ID and support for the new HomePod.
iOS 16.3.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update.
According to Apple's release notes, the iOS 16.3.1 update includes multiple bug fixes, addressing issues with iCloud and Siri requests for Find My, plus it adds more Crash Detection optimizations.
This update provides important bug fixes and security updates for your iPhone including:
- iCloud settings may be unresponsive or incorrectly display if apps are using iCloud
- Siri requests for Find My may not work
- Crash Detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models
The iCloud settings fix may address an issue that could cause some people not to be able to toggle on automatic iCloud backups on the iPhone and the iPad, a problem that some users have been experiencing since the launch of iOS 16.3.
Crash Detection optimizations likely address ongoing issues with Crash Detection reported at ski resorts and amusement parks. At ski resorts in particular, emergency personnel have been receiving multiple accidental reports, which drain resources needed for actual emergencies. Apple has made multiple optimizations to Crash Detection to attempt to fix the problem.
Top Rated Comments
Hoping for iOS 16.4 Beta 1 to be released tomorrow. 🙏
Also out:
* audioOS 16.3.2 (build 20K672)
* iPadOS 16.3.1 (build 20D67)
* tvOS 16.3.2 (build 20K672)
* watchOS 9.3.1 (build 20S664)
* macOS Ventura 13.2.1 (build 22D68)
* Safari 16.3 for Big Sur (build 16614.4.6.11.6)
* Safari 16.3 for Monterey (build 17614.4.6.11.6)
There is some confusion as to the version number of Safari for Big Sur and Monterey. Currently it installs as Version 16.3, but security info suggests it should be 16.3.1: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213638 and https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT201222 . So long as the build numbers are 16614.4.6.11.6 for Big Sur or 17614.4.6.11.6 for Monterey, it is up-to-date regardless of Version numbers. Apple may re-release them with version number 16.3.1 but I would suggest it would be easier to re-edit the security info and just change that back to 16.3 instead - and maybe be more specific about the build numbers.