Apple to Upgrade AirPlay to Allow Wireless Streaming Without Wi-Fi? - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Apple to Upgrade AirPlay to Allow Wireless Streaming Without Wi-Fi?

Apple  iPad  Stream movies and music wirelessly with AirPlayApple is planning an improvement to its AirPlay audio and video streaming technology, according to a report from The Telegraph.

The new AirPlay system would allow streaming devices like the iPhone or iPad to directly send content to a set of speakers or other receiver without a Wi-Fi network. The Telegraph expects 'AirPlay Direct' to be announced on September 12, together with the next-generation iPhone.

Sources familiar with the iPhone-maker’s plans said that Apple wants to improve the AirPlay wireless music streaming technology, which currently requires Airplay speakers and a WiFi network. The new version will require just speakers or a hifi and an iDevice; the iPhone, iPod or iPad would form its own network to allow a direct connection and music playback.

The Telegraph expects Apple to promote AirPlay Direct as a replacement to the hardware connection on many iPhone/iPod docks, and allow playback of music wirelessly from device to receiver.

Popular Stories

8 CarPlay Features in iOS 27 Feature

Which iOS 27 CarPlay Features Actually Work in Your Car?

Thursday September 17, 2026 4:17 am PDT by
In iOS 27, available now, CarPlay gets its biggest update in years, but some features depend on what type of car you have rather than your iPhone model. Some of the biggest additions won't do anything in the vast majority of vehicles on the road today. Here's how the new features pan out. Works in Any CarPlay Vehicle Custom widgets: In iOS 27, CarPlay is no longer limited to Apple's handful ...
Apple Watch New Charging Puck

Here's Why a New Apple Watch Charging Puck Was Just Released

Wednesday September 16, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
The new Apple Watch Series 12 and Apple Watch Ultra 4 have hardware changes that allow for faster charging, but you will need to use the new version of the Apple Watch Magnetic Fast Charger included in the box in order to achieve this boost. If you need extra ones for your own charging stands or travel or so forth, Apple released the new version of the charger on its online store last week, with...
ios272anniversary

iOS 27.2 Could Save Your Marriage

Wednesday September 16, 2026 1:32 pm PDT by
The iOS 27.2 beta that Apple released today adds a feature that reminds you it's your anniversary when you call someone, as long as you've added the date in the Contacts app. On the date of your anniversary, when you go to call the person, you'll see a reminder that it's an important day so you don't forget to say something. The anniversary alert uses Call Context, a feature Apple added in...

Top Rated Comments

183 months ago
Hmm I should take a break from macrumors so I can leave more room for surprises on 9/12 :p
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
Wait, WiFi has to be on to use AirPlay? Since when?

Since always....

I fail to see how this isn't just bluetooth with a different name now though?
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
Hold your horses guys, Apple will never ever transmit sound or video via bluetooth because it sucks. Have you ever listened to bluetooth speakers? The sound is horrible.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
This doesn't make sense to me will it be over bluetooth 4.0? Or can be over 3G, if it is able to do 3G then whats the benefit?

Have you even bothered to read through the replies above? Weird how some people use forums. They don't bother reading replies, add their own, which was answered and dismissed many conversations back.

It's clearly a device to device wifi network, without going via your router. It won't be 3G, nor Bluetooth. How could it be 3G when your devices don't use 3G?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CrAkD Avatar
183 months ago
its wifi direct kinda....looks like the ipad or iphone will CREATE the network itself then connect to it and airplay like normal.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
183 months ago
Does this mean reduced lag? If so, I hope it reduces the lag for Mac AirPlay Mirroring as well.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)