A new feature in iOS 19 reportedly will sync public Wi-Fi login and captive portal details across your Apple devices.
iPhones already sync Wi-Fi network details across all devices connected to the same Apple ID. However, with public networks, a captive portal introduces additional steps. While small, the feature should make logging into hotel Wi-Fi networks more convenient.
Apple wants to remove the hassle of logging into public Wi-Fi networks
Unlike regular Wi-Fi networks, connecting to a wireless network in hotels, airports or office buildings often brings up a captive portal. You must fill out your personal details before connecting to the internet. Every time you add a new Apple device to the Wi-Fi network, you have to repeat the process.
Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman, in his latest Power On newsletter, reveals that a new iOS 19 feature could resolve this inconvenience. It will sync your captive Wi-Fi access details across other Apple devices linked to your account, including iPad and Mac. So, once you connect your iPhone, you can seamlessly get your other devices onboard that network.
Apple might introduce this feature as one of many quality-of-life improvements in iOS 19.
iOS 19 could be all about its big visual overhaul
Leaks so far point to Apple focusing on a big visual redesign with iOS 19. The iPhone operating system supposedly will feature squircle icons and revamped system apps, in line with the visionOS design language.
While the next iOS release may not pack many new Apple Intelligence features, it apparently will bring other major features. This includes external display support on iPhones with USB-C, with a Stage Manager-like interface extending their screen space.
The update also could improve AirPods, adding a live translation feature that turns the earbuds into real-time translators.
iPadOS 19 will sport even bigger features, with Apple purportedly bringing a macOS-like multitasking and app window management to iPads.
WWDC25 begins June 9, 2025, so we have less than a month to wait for Apple to take the wraps off all the iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 features.
