iPhone users who move between weak Wi-Fi and mobile data may soon notice a small but meaningful change. Apple appears to be renaming its long-running Wi-Fi Assist feature to Connectivity Assist in iOS 27.
The adjustment is more than a label update. It reflects Apple’s push to make network handoffs feel smoother when a Wi-Fi connection starts to weaken.
What the feature does
When Wi-Fi is not strong enough, the iPhone can switch to cellular data so internet access continues with less interruption. The goal is to keep browsing, messaging, and other online activity moving without an obvious pause.
That makes the feature especially useful for people who travel through different locations during the day. It can also matter to users who monitor mobile data closely, since a weaker Wi-Fi connection may cause the phone to lean on cellular more often.
Where the setting is now found
On iOS 26 and earlier, the option was known as Wi-Fi Assist and was found under Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, before scrolling down to enable it. In iOS 27, Apple has reportedly moved the setting into Settings, then Wi-Fi, where users can scroll down and turn on Connectivity Assist.
| iOS Version | Feature Name | Settings Path |
|---|---|---|
| iOS 26 and earlier | Wi-Fi Assist | Settings > Cellular or Mobile Data |
| iOS 27 | Connectivity Assist | Settings > Wi-Fi |
Apple has also described the broader goal as smoother network transitions in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27. That suggests the rename is part of a wider effort to make connectivity changes less noticeable to users.
Early signs from beta users
The feature is currently in public beta, so details may still shift before the final release. Even so, some users on X and other platforms say the new setup feels faster and more consistent.
MacRumors also noted that certain users have seen a notification reading “Intelligent Connectivity” when Connectivity Assist becomes active. That points to Apple testing how the feature is presented as well as how it works.
Part of a larger iOS 27 update
Connectivity changes are only one piece of the next software update. iOS 27 is also said to include Siri with Apple Intelligence support, AI-based photo editing tools, new child safety features, and other improvements.
Apple has said the update should arrive around autumn 2026. Until then, the renamed connectivity feature remains one of the clearest signs of how the company wants the iPhone to stay online more seamlessly when Wi-Fi starts to fail.
