The latest beta version of Apple’s iOS 9.3 includes support for Voice-over-Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi) for Verizon Wireless subscribers.
On the device side, Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6S and iPhone 6S Plus all support the new VoWi-Fi service.
Essentially, if VoWi-Fi is enabled, the handset will automatically connect to a proximal Wi-Fi network when the cellular signal is either weak or not available.
Verizon is the last of the four major U.S. carriers to offer VoWi-Fi to customers; the feature is already like on AT&T, T-Mobile US and Sprint networks.
This test of the new iOS 9.3 is what’s called a public beta in that Apple customers can use their Apple ID to sign up for access to public betas.
Apple says, “Each public beta comes with a built-in Feedback Assistant app that appears in your Dock on your Mac and on the second page of your Home screen on your iOS device. When you come across an issue that needs addressing, send your report directly to Apple with Feedback Assistant.”
Learn more about the Apple Beta Software Program here.
In addition to VoWi-Fi for Verizon customers, the new iOS 9.3 beta includes 3D Touch shortcuts associated with battery life, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as upgrades to Apple Music.
In December, Verizon began rolling out VoWi-Fi limited to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge devices via software update.
Users have to install the latest software update and turn on the advanced calling option in order to use VoWi-Fi. Verizon said that users will be able to initiate both voice and video calls over Wi-Fi, and that calls started on their LTE network would handover to known Wi-Fi hotspots when available.
Verizon said that all Wi-Fi calls made to U.S. numbers are free, and that calls made to international numbers will be billed at international long distance rates.
