iOS 19 Likely to Sync Captive Wi-Fi Data Between Devices

Apple is developing a new feature that will synchronize captive Wi-Fi portal login information across devices, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.

iphone wi fi
The system will allow users to enter login details for captive Wi-Fi networks – commonly found in hotels, airports, and coffee shops – just once, then automatically sync that information across their iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.

"When you go to a new hotel, office building or gym, you're often asked to fill out a web form on all your devices before you can access the internet," Gurman reports. "This new feature will let you enter that information on one device and have it synched to your other products."

This time-saving addition should eliminate the frustration of repeatedly logging into the same network portal across multiple Apple devices.

Apple is reportedly readying the feature in time for WWDC 2025, suggesting it will likely arrive with iOS 19, iPadOS 19, and macOS 16.

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro Dark Blue and Orange

iPhone 17 Release Date, Pre-Orders, and What to Expect

Thursday August 28, 2025 4:08 am PDT by
An iPhone 17 announcement is a dead cert for September 2025 – Apple has already sent out invites for an "Awe dropping" event on Tuesday, September 9 at the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, California. The timing follows Apple's trend of introducing new iPhone models annually in the fall. At the event, Apple is expected to unveil its new-generation iPhone 17, an all-new ultra-thin iPhone 17...
iPhone 17 Pro Iridescent Feature 2

iPhone 17 Pro Clear Case Leak Reveals Three Key Changes

Sunday August 31, 2025 1:26 pm PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 17 series on Tuesday, September 9, and last-minute rumors about the devices continue to surface. The latest info comes from a leaker known as Majin Bu, who has shared alleged images of Apple's Clear Case for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, or at least replicas. Image Credit: @MajinBuOfficial The images show three alleged changes compared to Apple's iP...
xiaomi apple ad india

Apple and Samsung Push Back Against Xiaomi's Bold India Ads

Friday August 29, 2025 4:54 am PDT by
Apple and Samsung have reportedly issued cease-and-desist notices to Xiaomi in India for an ad campaign that directly compares the rivals' devices to Xiaomi's products. The two companies have threatened the Chinese vendor with legal action, calling the ads "disparaging." Ads have appeared in local print media and on social media that take pot shots at the competitors' premium offerings. One...
iphone 16 pro ghost hand

iPhone 17 Pro: 5 Reasons Not to Upgrade This Year

Monday September 1, 2025 4:35 am PDT by
Apple will launch its new iPhone 17 series this month, and the iPhone 17 Pro models are expected to get a new design for the rear casing and the camera area. But more significant changes to the lineup are not expected until next year, when the iPhone 18 models arrive. If you're thinking of trading in your iPhone for this year's latest, consider the following features rumored to be coming to...
iOS 18 on iPhone Arrow Down

Apple Preparing iOS 18.7 for iPhones as iOS 26 Release Date Nears

Sunday August 31, 2025 4:35 pm PDT by
Apple is preparing to release iOS 18.7 for compatible iPhone models, according to evidence of the update in the MacRumors visitor logs. We expect iOS 18.7 to be released in September, alongside iOS 26. The update will likely include fixes for security vulnerabilities, but little else. iOS 18.7 will be one of the final updates ever released for the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR,...

Top Rated Comments

bradman83 Avatar
16 weeks ago
I'm curious how this impacts paid captive wi-fi, specifically those found on aircraft. Currently if the airline charges for wi-fi you'd have to pay a fee for each device. Does this get around it? I would imagine paid wi-fi operators would be able to tell based on the device's MAC address or something similar.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kiranmk2 Avatar
16 weeks ago

I'm curious how this impacts paid captive wi-fi, specifically those found on aircraft. Currently if the airline charges for wi-fi you'd have to pay a fee for each device. Does this get around it? I would imagine paid wi-fi operators would be able to tell based on the device's MAC address or something similar.
For your use case, specifically, it looks like Starlink will become the default inflight WiFi service as it is just so much faster than the incumbant systems, and I believe Starlink forbids airlines from charging customers for it.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
zilchfox Avatar
16 weeks ago

You know what would be great? The option to dismiss the captive wifi screen beyond "choose other network" which takes you straight to settings, or "use without internet" which connects you to a useless wifi network.
You can— swipe up on the home bar (similar to closing an app), and you will resume where you left off instead. On devices with a Home Button, just simply press it to dismiss.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
211 Avatar
16 weeks ago
There is this issue I have had since the 1st iPhone that when you try to connect to a password protected WiFi and you choose to cancel it, it still links to the WiFi, but won’t work as I didn’t provide the password. I then have to go back to forget WiFi, otherwise it won’t disconnnect
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cicalinarrot Avatar
16 weeks ago
Proprietary wifi log-in is still one of the tech-related experiences I hate the most, it makes me feel like it's 2008.
Hope this makes it a little less painful.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lkrupp Avatar
16 weeks ago
Would any sane person actually use public WiFi when they know the guy sitting next to them could be sniffing their keystrokes and passwords, reading their email? I never use public WiFi.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)