Finding a reliable internet connection while traveling can be a major hassle, especially when trying to connect multiple devices. This issue has become common across hotels, lodges, and cafes—places where individuals often need to fill out a web form to gain access to Wi-Fi.
Apple is set to simplify this Wi-Fi registration process. As reported by Bloomberg, the company is developing “a system that synchronizes captive Wi-Fi login details across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.”
Why is this important?
Many people today choose to work from coffee shops or libraries. Over the years, these venues have moved away from offering unlimited Wi-Fi to imposing restrictions, often requiring customers to provide their phone number or email for an OTP before accessing the internet.
The complexity increases in hotels and hostels, where you often have to fill out extensive forms. The more upscale the accommodation, the more cumbersome the process, driven by lengthy customer registration forms required across all your devices.
These Wi-Fi registration portals frequently experience connectivity issues, leading me to only register on my phone and rely on mobile data for the rest of my devices. While this solution works, it often results in higher mobile bills each month.
How is Apple addressing the issue?
With its upcoming feature, Apple will store user details after they complete a captive Wi-Fi form and synchronize this information across all devices. This is similar to how web browsers save personal information like names, addresses, and payment methods for future use.
Although participation in this system is voluntary, it significantly streamlines the process. Instead of relying solely on web-based solutions, Apple integrates this convenience across its hardware. “This new feature allows you to input your information on one device and have it synced to your other products,” states the Bloomberg report.
This feature is expected to be part of the upcoming iOS 19 update, which will be announced at Apple's WWDC event in June. The Wi-Fi detail synchronization tool is not only functional but also aligns with Apple's broader ecosystem strategy.
Apple has crafted a robust cross-device syncing framework, evident in features like Universal Control, Handoff, and cross-device clipboard—all linked to a single account.
In addition to syncing Wi-Fi forms, Apple is also said to be developing a desktop mode for iPhones and a more macOS-like interface for iPadOS.
