Apple is adding two new Wi-Fi features to iPhones and iPads with iOS 26: Captive Assist and Wi-Fi Aware.
Captive Assist will make it easier to connect to public Wi-Fi. When users log in to a Wi-Fi network at a hotel, airport, or coffee shop on one Apple device, that login will sync across their other Apple devices like iPads and Macs.
This feature helps users avoid filling out the same web forms repeatedly on different devices. Apple has not enabled Captive Assist yet, but it should be ready when iOS 26 launches later this year.
The second feature, Wi-Fi Aware, will give third-party apps new ways to connect devices directly over Wi-Fi without needing the internet.
This could lead to faster file sharing, screen sharing, and media streaming between nearby devices. Wi-Fi Aware works like Apple’s AirDrop but opens the door for other apps to create similar features.
Apple added Wi-Fi Aware to meet EU requirements under the Digital Markets Act, which says Apple must allow alternatives to AirDrop and AirPlay. However, Apple has decided to roll out this feature worldwide.
Supported devices for Wi-Fi Aware include:
- iPhone 12 and later
- iPad (10th generation) and later
- iPad mini (6th generation) and later
- iPad Air (4th generation) and later
- iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) and later
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th generation) and later
These updates will make sharing and connecting on iPhones and iPads easier than ever.
