iOS 26 brings an incredibly useful feature that sets it apart from Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy phones. Announced at the recent WWDC’25 developer summit, this latest software update showcases Apple’s most significant redesign in years, complete with a sleek Liquid Glass aesthetic. While this design approach may elicit mixed reactions, it is not the only reason to be excited about the update. Among the many features presented at the event, one particularly noteworthy addition is the universal captive Wi-Fi sync.
This function is set to enhance Apple’s ecosystem significantly. But what exactly is universal captive Wi-Fi? Typically, when trying to connect to an open Wi-Fi network in places like hotels or airports, users encounter landing pages that require them to log in, often with an email address. With iOS 26, once you log into one of these networks using any device linked to your Apple Account, that login will automatically sync across all your other Apple devices.
This means that if you connect using your iPhone, your MacBook or iPad will also gain access to the same network without requiring you to re-enter information on a captive page. iOS already allows devices associated with your Apple Account to share authenticated Wi-Fi networks. This new addition further simplifies the networking experience, making it more intuitive for users. The feature will be available across iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26, ensuring that any device used to log into public Wi-Fi can share that login seamlessly.
Notably, Android devices lack this feature, meaning users still need to navigate the captive login process for each device. This showcases Apple’s commitment to enhancing its ecosystem by introducing unique capabilities that differentiate it from competitors.