iOS 16 – new security features discussed – Computerworld

Last year’s update to the iOS operating system introduced a ton of new security features. What should you know about them?

Operating system iOS 16, which debuted in September 2022, most users mainly associate it with a brand new lock screen. The star change is the redesign of the user interface in such a way that it is possible to create different compilations of the lock screen and the home screen. Apple has made it possible to change the clock’s appearance and add widgets from compatible apps.




iOS 16 includes many new security features.  Photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld

iOS 16 includes many new security features

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld


However, taking a closer look at the iOS 16 operating system, one will quickly notice that This year’s effective edition focuses even more than previous ones on increasing the level of security and protecting user privacy.. Apple has always been associated with pro-customer activities in the protection of personal data. This year, Apple was deeply concerned about the increase in the number of cyberattacks and introduced many new features that positively affect the level of security of the most popular smartphone in the world – the iPhone.

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In iOS 16 we will find, among others new Face ID features, photo sharing improvements and complete system solutions to ensure safety. We discuss the most important news affecting the level of user security.

Security controle

In settings iOS 16 operating system, we will find an option called Security controle. This solution was introduced to allow users to quickly reset all data and access granted to third parties.

From bookmark level Access sharing and management you can easily see from one place which photos are shared with given contacts and which are public. In the next step, you can check information sharing from apps like notes. In the third step, the system will display the accesses available for the individual apps installed on the device. We talk about permissions to use Bluetooth, location and more. At the very end, we can check on which devices we are logged in using the iCloud account.




Security check photo: Daniel Olszewski / Computerworld

Security controle

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld


From the level security checks it is also possible to call an operation emergency reset. This solution allows you to disable third-party sharing and remove permission access for third-party apps.



Review of security checks photo: Daniel Olszewski / Computerworld

Security Controls Overview

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld




Review of security checks photo: Daniel Olszewski / Computerworld

Security Controls Overview

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld


A function emergency reset it also allows you to disable all emergency contacts assigned to your account and change your Apple iCloud account password. It is important to note that this option does not reset the device to factory settings.



Review of security checks photo: Daniel Olszewski / Computerworld

Security Controls Overview

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld




Review of security checks photo: Daniel Olszewski / Computerworld

Security Controls Overview

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld


Block hidden and recently deleted photos

The Photos app has received a minor update that significantly increases the level of security. Apple blocked access to hidden folders/photos and deleted files without requiring additional user verification using Face ID/Touch ID or PIN. This solution is enabled by default after installing the iOS 16 operating system.

Face ID horizontal scanning support

After five years, Apple decided to listen to the voice of its users. The iOS operating system allows you to horizontal face scanning using Face ID. It means that when unlocking, the device can be held in landscape mode. Unfortunately, this solution does not work on all devices compatible with the iOS 16 operating system equipped with Face ID. This feature requires an iPhone 13, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, or iPhone 14 Pro Max. The function is closely tied to the physical capabilities of Face ID sensors.

Urgent operating system updates

iOS is the least fragmented mobile operating system. The absence of carrier branding, exemplary and long-term Apple support, and same-day availability of new operating system versions for all supported models are the great advantages of iOS. However, keep in mind that most users don’t bother to frequently search for new software.

After updating to iOS 16 in Settings > General > Updates > Automatic Updates a new option has appeared Urgent updates and system files.

With this option, the operating system automatically installs urgent security updates and iPhone system files. After installation, the device will ask the user to restart the device to complete the update process. This solution allows you to react even faster to operating system vulnerabilities.




Urgent updates photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld

Urgent updates

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld


Permission to paste data

It appeared in iOS 16 operating system two-factor verification when pasting data. This means that apps cannot copy and paste data between them. Each copy-paste operation must additionally be confirmed by the user by clicking on the appropriate notification in the operating system. The solution works the same way as other permissions, for example microphone access.

Access keys

iOS 16 update also introduces Passkeys featurewhich will be released later in 2022. This solution is to replace the classic passwords entered when connecting to sites or applications. The Passkeys feature has protect users against phishing and other types of malware designed to steal your password.




Apple Passkeys photo: Daniel Olszewski / Computerworld

Apple keys

photo: Daniel Olszewski/Computerworld


The solution Passkeys is based on a key system. One key is public and stored on the web server while the other key is private and stored on the device. iPhone and other devices with biometric authentication – Face ID or Touch ID are used to authorize the access key to authenticate the user to the website or application.

Passkeys uses the service iCloud Keychain, which requires two-factor authentication for additional protection. Passkeys are synced between all your devices via iCloud Keychain, which uses end-to-end encryption.

Apple works with members FIDO Alliance, including Google and Microsoft, to ensure that access keys can also be used on non-Apple devices and across all platforms. On third-party hardware, Passkeys will work through QR codes that will be authenticated with the iPhone. Third-party support will be required to implement this feature.

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