Alongside the release of iOS 9.1 today, Sprint announced that the update officially enables access to the iPhone’s Wi-Fi calling feature for all of its users. That means Sprint users will join T-Mobile and AT&T customers in the US in being able to take advantage of the feature that offers Wi-Fi-assisted voice calling for poor coverage areas and the ability to accept calls on other Apple devices including iPods, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watch.
Following today’s release of iOS 9.1, iPhone customers on Sprint will gain access to Apple’s enhanced Wi-Fi calling feature… “Customers already enjoy seamlessly responding to texts and email from a variety of great Apple devices,” said David Owens, senior vice president, Product Development at Sprint. “Now they can bring that flexibility to the primary phone number their friends, family and colleagues know best. This great feature puts the power of device choice in our customers’ hands.”
Sprint customers will have to update their iPhones to iOS 9.1, released earlier today, make sure Wi-Fi Calling is enabled in the iPhone’s Settings, and sign into the same Apple ID and iCloud account across devices.
Apple’s iOS 9.1 release includes enhancements to its Live Photos feature, over 150 new emoji, refreshed wallpapers, and the usual fixes and improvements for a long list of other features and bugs. We have the full rundown here.
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So that just leaves arrogant Verizon of the big four not supporting it.
Sigh.
Why should Verizon support it? Voice minutes are unlimited and they have the best network. WiFi calling is just a gimmick to make up for Sprint, T-Mobile’s and AT&T’s lousy coverage.
Their service sucks where I live. At my house, I get constant dropped calls. Why should they support it? Because not every one of their customers gets great service, it is a viable option, and provides their customers with choices.
Wifi calling isn’t a gimmick. It’s a technology that is sorely needed, especially for people who live in rural areas or for folks who live in urban areas where coverage isn’t good. What’s questionable is why it has taken so long for cell companies to embrace this not even new technology. FaceTime audio has been around for a little while now, but that only works between iOS devices. Wifi calling is “universal.”
I’m very happy for wifi calling because I know I’ll have stronger coverage at work and at home.
Verizon — when? WHEN??
Not functioning for me on my Sprint MNVO Ting service. Updated to 9.1 on my iPhone 6+ and went to turn on wifi calling and it comes back and says I need to call my service provider and then shuts off the feature.