With iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS Tahoe, Apple is gearing up to launch a brand-new feature called Captive Assist. If you are wondering what the iOS 26 Captive Assist feature is and how it’s going to work across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, you’ve landed at the right explainer. Let me break it down for you – for a clear understanding:
Designed to make public Wi-Fi access much more seamless across your devices, it’s going to be a notable feature, especially for folks who are longing to have a hassle-free public Wi-Fi access experience. Well, if you are one of them, chances are you will love this new add-on.
Captive Assist addresses a common frustration: logging in to captive Wi-Fi networks—those that require you to fill out a web form or agree to terms before gaining internet access, like at hotels, airports, cafes, or conference centers.
Traditionally, every Apple device requires you to sign in individually. With Captive Assist, that’s about to change.
According to insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is working on a feature that syncs captive Wi-Fi login information across your Apple 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. This new feature will let you enter that information on one device and have it synched to your other products,” Gurman reports.
So if you connect your iPhone to a hotel Wi-Fi and complete a form or accept terms through a captive portal, that data will be shared automatically with your iPad and Mac, allowing them to connect without asking you to log in again.
This cross-device syncing happens via iCloud and leverages Apple’s secure Continuity features, similar to how passwords, messages, and app states are already shared.
The result is a streamlined connection process that reduces interruptions and enhances your productivity, especially when switching between devices.
Captive Assist is part of Apple’s broader push to make everyday tasks smarter and more connected across its ecosystem. Once enabled, you can expect a more intuitive Wi-Fi experience wherever you go.
While Apple hasn’t officially announced Captive Assist yet, its presence in the iOS 26 beta code signals that the feature is well underway.
Though the feature isn’t enabled yet in the current beta, it was discovered in the iOS 26 developer beta code, and it’s expected to roll out with the final release later this year.
When released, it will be a small but meaningful improvement for users who frequently rely on public Wi-Fi networks across multiple Apple devices.
