The iPhone 14 is less than a month old and it’s already stirring up software trouble. If you bought one, you may recall facing an immediate update as soon as you powered it on. Since then, Apple has apparently been hard at work, putting out other fires the iOS 16.0.2 update didn’t fix. That’s where iOS 16.0.3 comes in.
Apple’s iOS 16.0.3 is not a flashy update. You can tell by its name—the biggest updates are the solid numbers (e.g. iOS 16); these are the once-a-year updates that introduce hundreds of new features and changes at once. Then, you have smaller updates (e.g. iOS 16.1), which are not as groundbreaking, but do tend to add fun and useful new features to the mix. Finally, there are updates like iOS 16.0.3, which usually bring important bug fixes that can’t wait for a larger update like iOS 16.1.
What’s new with iOS 16.0.3?
This update is most critical for users with one of the latest iPhones, including the 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max. Apple lists the fixes below, including problems with notifications, low mic volumes, and slow cameras—although there doesn’t seem to be a fix for Crash Detection dialing 911 when you ride a roller coaster.
- Incoming call and app notifications may be delayed or not delivered on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
- Low microphone volume can occur during CarPlay phone calls on iPhone 14 models.
- Camera may be slow to launch or switch between modes on iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max.
This update isn’t only for the iPhone 14 line. Every iPhone that runs iOS 16 will receive this update today, from the iPhone 8 on. The 16.0.3 update also fixes a Mail issue causing the app to crash “on launch after receiving a malformed email.” In addition, the update patches a nasty security vulnerability affecting Mail: Before 16.0.3, you could be locked out of Mail or your iPhone when opening an email containing specific malware. With the new update, your iPhone will be protected from this vulnerability.
How to update your iPhone to iOS 16.0.3
Updating your iPhone to iOS 16.0.3 is simple. Open Settings > General > Software Updates, then allow iOS to look for 16.0.3. Once the update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
If you have Automatic Updates enabled, your iPhone will eventually update itself. That can sometimes take weeks, but it seems Apple is trying to fast-track automatic security updates, presumably to protect as many iPhones as possible. (I now see a message on my iPhone that reads “Your iPhone is running 16.0.2. This security update will try to install later tonight.”)
That said, the fastest way to install 16.0.3 right now is to do so manually.
