The upgrade to
iOS 9.1 brought more than bug fixes for iPhone owners subscribed to Sprint, with a major alteration to the carrier's existing
Wi-Fi Calling service adding more functionality. The carrier has
enabled an enhanced version that offers
Continuity-style features for calls, namely the ability to make and receive phone calls on another Apple product using the same Apple ID, including the Apple Watch, iPads, and Macs.
The feature requires iOS 9.1 to be installed on the iPhone 5s, 5c, and later smartphones, along with all other iOS devices that will use the function. After setting up Wi-Fi Calling on the primary iPhone, users can then enable the
secondary devices through the FaceTime section of the settings menu, though only for devices that share the same Apple ID and are signed into iCloud.
The new addition will be of great help to Sprint subscribers in low-signal areas. Though users of Continuity already enjoy similar benefits to what Sprint has announced, it requires iPhones to have an active cellular connection to place the call, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity to the local network. With this update, the need for mobile service is lessened, as it can completely operate over Wi-Fi.
"Customers already enjoy seamlessly responding to texts and email from a variety of great Apple devices," said David Owens, Senior Vice President in charge of 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."
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