What’s new in iOS 14.3? Home app updates, Apple Watch cardio fitness notifications, more



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In addition to adding support for ProRAW and suggesting new third-party app suggestion features, iOS 14.3 also includes a variety of other changes for iPhone users. There’s new evidence of new Home app features, new Apple Watch notifications, and more.

HomeKit Accessory Updates

iOS 14.3 suggests that you will soon be able to install software updates for third-party HomeKit accessories directly in the Home app. Currently, HomeKit accessories require you to use the manufacturer’s app to install software updates.

In the Home app, you will see new messages indicating when “accessories have updates available” with a convenient “Update All” button when multiple HomeKit products have new software versions available. It will work the same way you are currently updating HomePods through the Home app.

What is not clear is how the accessory makers themselves will embrace this feature. Still, iOS 14.3 lays the groundwork to fix one of HomeKit’s most annoying current limitations.

New search engine option

iOS 14.3 also adds the ability to set Ecosia as the default search engine. To find it, open the Settings app, choose Safari, and then choose Search Engine. Here you’ll see Ecosia as a new default option alongside existing options for Yahoo, Bing, DuckDuckGo, and Google.

For those who are not familiar, Ecosia is an eco-friendly search engine:

We use the profits we get from your research to plant trees where they are needed most. Trees mean a happy environment, healthy people, and a strong economy. We don’t sell your data to advertisers and don’t have third party trackers like most other search engines.

Cardio Fitness notifications

iOS 14.3 also states that with watchOS 7.2, Apple Watch users will be able to receive new cardio fitness notifications. These will alert you if your cardio fitness level reaches a certain level that could impact your daily activity. Apple explains:

Apple Watch can alert you if your cardio condition reaches a level where you may experience limitations in your daily activity.

This is likely related to the VO2 Max data, which Apple Watch is currently monitoring and displaying in the Fitness app and the Health app. In fact, alongside the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 6 in September, Apple announced that Apple Watch will soon be adding Low Cardio Fitness notifications later this year. iOS 14.3 and watchOS 7.2 seem to include the basis for this functionality.

More

Here’s more 9to5Mac coverage on what’s new in iOS 14.3:

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