Sprint Announces Enhanced Wi-Fi Calling Feature for iOS 9.1 Users - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Sprint Announces Enhanced Wi-Fi Calling Feature for iOS 9.1 Users

by

wificallingsprintAlongside the launch of iOS 9.1, Sprint has implemented an enhanced Wi-Fi calling feature for its users, allowing them to make and receive calls on multiple iOS and Mac devices over Wi-Fi or a cellular connection.

Prior to today, it was possible for Sprint users to make and receive calls from iPads and Macs using an iPhone's cellular connection, but that functionality did not extend to calls placed over Wi-Fi when cellular signal was low.

The iOS call forwarding feature implemented with iOS 8 that allowed users to make and receive calls from multiple devices required Wi-Fi calling to be turned off, but that is no longer the case. Calls placed or received on devices other than an iPhone will now work over a cellular connection and when connected to Wi-Fi with Wi-Fi calling in use.

Receiving calls on multiple devices with the call forwarding feature also required devices to be on the same Wi-Fi network as an iPhone, but with enhanced Wi-Fi calling, that's no longer necessary. In fact, an iPad or a Mac can still receive a call when an iPhone is in another location entirely or turned off.

Sprint users can access the new enhanced Wi-Fi calling feature by downloading iOS 9.1, watchOS 2, or OS X 10.11.1 on their devices and making sure Wi-Fi calling is enabled on an iPhone by going to Settings --> Phone --> Wi-Fi Calling. Other devices can be set up to receive calls by going to Settings --> FaceTime --> Calls from iPhone. All devices must use the same Apple ID and they must be signed into iCloud.

These advanced Wi-Fi calling features, which are outlined in an updated Apple Support document on Wi-Fi calling, are also available to T-Mobile users in the United States. While AT&T and several other international carriers have implemented support for Wi-Fi calling, it does not extend to the enhanced Wi-Fi calling feature available to Sprint and T-Mobile users.

Top Rated Comments

dannyyankou Avatar
144 months ago
Hurry up Verizon!
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
avanpelt Avatar
144 months ago
Sprint is now able to allow users to make a regular phone call from a Mac or an iPad even when the iPhone is turned off? How'd they manage to do that?

Oh wait, I get it. The calls hardly go through with the phone so if you just turn the phone off, you have the same experience on your iPad and Mac, as well. ;)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
144 months ago
C'mon EE!
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
144 months ago
Good call on that.

Knowing Sprint I wouldn't expect much in the way of anything retroactive

Do you mean this article or an actual FAQ/Specs on an Apple help page?

If it's on Apples actual site again I say odd and get your head in the game Apple...
Sorry, yes specs on Apple support page says 5c or higher is capable but they leave it up to the carrier
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032 reads
To place a Wi-Fi call, you need an iPhone on one of these carriers:


* Canada: Bell, Rogers
* Hong Kong: 3, SmarTone
* United Kingdom: EE, Vodafone
* United States: AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint
* Saudi Arabia: Zain
* Switzerland: SALT, Swisscom

iPhone 5c and later are capable of Wi-Fi Calling. Check with your carrier on which models are supported.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
iOSFangirl6001 Avatar
144 months ago
If so, it's a bit funny that Apple list these phones as capable.
It should specify something along the lines of "Based on carrier compatility" or actually list what is compatible with what carrier if not Apple dropped the ball as far as updating goes.

It shouldn't be as if Apple doesn't know the compatility or lack thereof

5 = Minimal WiFi Calling on T-Mobile
( based solely on some people claiming they've gotten it to work with some difficulty )


5S/5C = Pretty Solid TMO some Sprint Support


6/6P/6S/6SP =
Pretty universal and all around solid WiFi calling support for carriers currently offering/supporting WFC
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kagharaht Avatar
144 months ago
This has been explained several times in multiple threads relating to iOS 9 and WiFi Calling topics.

5 5C 5S and older lack the sufficient hardware and software combo needed to function flawlessly and precisely as intended with the way ATT has their WiFi Calling feature set up.


It requires use of HD Voice or VoLTE typically which the 5 5C 5S and older DO NOT Fully support.

Attempting to offer it on 5 5C 5S would kill the handoff function and result in steep increases in dropped calls which in turn would reflect far more poor on AT&T than simply saying they can't/won't do backwards compatibility beyond the 6/6P
If so, it's a bit funny that Apple list these phones as capable.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

apple pro tell logo

Apple Launching Five New Products This Friday

Monday November 2, 2026 1:22 am PST by
Apple is releasing five new products this Friday, November 6, following pre-orders that opened last week, including its first touchscreen MacBook Pro models. The following new products will be available from Friday: iPad mini with OLED display and A20 Pro chip iMac with M6 chip 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 chip 14-inch MacBook Pro with OLED touchscreen 16-inch MacBook Pro with OLED...
Apple Logo Gradient 16x9 1

Apple Isn't Done With 2026: Here's What's Still Coming

Monday November 2, 2026 7:27 am PST by
Apple's busiest season isn't over yet. Far from it. With two hardware launch dates still to come in November, plus software updates and new smart home accessories running into December, there's more on the way from Apple before the end of 2026, so be sure to stick around. Below, we've rounded up what's still coming, along with one date in particular that's worth watching if you're a holiday...
iPad Pro 2024 vs Air 2024 Feature

Three New iPads Rumored to Launch in First Half of 2027

Sunday November 1, 2026 7:27 am PST by
After announcing a new iPad mini with an OLED display earlier this month, Apple plans to release new iPad Air, iPad Pro, and entry-level iPad models in the first half of 2027, according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his Power On newsletter today, Gurman said the next iPad Air will also feature an OLED display, while he expects the next iPad Pro to be equipped with a...
Latest Stories
Apple TV's '12 Days of Snoopy' Special Arrives November 13
Apple TV's '12 Days of Snoopy' Special Arrives November 13
16 minutes ago
Apple is Putting Employees on an AI Budget
Apple is Putting Employees on an AI Budget
1 hour ago
Apple Releases Xcode 27.3 Beta With Three New Features
Apple Releases Xcode 27.3 Beta With Three New Features
2 hours ago
Apple Will Check Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting in iOS 27.3
Apple Will Check Public iCloud Links for Harmful Content Starting in iOS 27.3
2 hours ago
macOS 27.3 Brings Live Activities to Macs Without Dynamic Island
macOS 27.3 Brings Live Activities to Macs Without Dynamic Island
4 hours ago
Apple TV Reportedly Planning 'Silo' Spinoff
Apple TV Reportedly Planning 'Silo' Spinoff
5 hours ago
Is It Worth Buying a Titanium Apple Watch?
Is It Worth Buying a Titanium Apple Watch?
5 hours ago
macOS 27.3 Includes an Important Security Fix
macOS 27.3 Includes an Important Security Fix
5 hours ago
Massive Sale Hits Apple Watch Ultra 3 With Record Low $250 Discounts
Massive Sale Hits Apple Watch Ultra 3 With Record Low $250 Discounts
6 hours ago
Does HomePod Mini 2 Have Improved Sound? Here's What Reviews Say
Does HomePod Mini 2 Have Improved Sound? Here's What Reviews Say
7 hours ago
macOS 27.3 Makes Markdown Files Easier to Read
macOS 27.3 Makes Markdown Files Easier to Read
7 hours ago
HomeView Pre-Order Returns to $289.99 on Amazon
HomeView Pre-Order Returns to $289.99 on Amazon
8 hours ago
Apple May Phase Out Non-Touch High-End MacBook Pros
Apple May Phase Out Non-Touch High-End MacBook Pros
8 hours ago
Apple's Insider Trading Policy Now Covers Prediction Markets
Apple's Insider Trading Policy Now Covers Prediction Markets
9 hours ago
'Stick' Season 2 Premieres Today on Apple TV
'Stick' Season 2 Premieres Today on Apple TV
9 hours ago
iPhone 18e Rumored to Focus on Chip Upgrade With Few Major Changes
iPhone 18e Rumored to Focus on Chip Upgrade With Few Major Changes
9 hours ago
Google Maps Updated to Fully Support iPhone Duo Displays
Google Maps Updated to Fully Support iPhone Duo Displays
9 hours ago
Everything New in the iOS 27.3 Beta
Everything New in the iOS 27.3 Beta
21 hours ago
Apple Music's New Selfie Sing Feature Lets You Record Karaoke Videos
Apple Music's New Selfie Sing Feature Lets You Record Karaoke Videos
22 hours ago
iPhone Jailbreak Gets Past Lockdown Mode and Survives an Update
iPhone Jailbreak Gets Past Lockdown Mode and Survives an Update
23 hours ago
iPadOS 27.3 Expands Siri Mode to Camera App
iPadOS 27.3 Expands Siri Mode to Camera App
1 day ago
Veterans Day Apple Watch Activity Challenge Launches November 11
Veterans Day Apple Watch Activity Challenge Launches November 11
1 day ago
Best Early Black Friday Mac Deals: Save Hundreds on MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and More
Best Early Black Friday Mac Deals: Save Hundreds on MacBook Air, Mac Mini, and More
1 day ago
Apple Fitness+ Gets Gym Strength Plans in iOS 27.3
Apple Fitness+ Gets Gym Strength Plans in iOS 27.3
1 day ago
iOS 27.3 Adding New StandBy Mode Features to iPhone 11 and Newer
iOS 27.3 Adding New StandBy Mode Features to iPhone 11 and Newer
1 day ago
Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware
Apple Releases New AirPods Beta Firmware
1 day ago
iOS 27.3 Beta Brings Apple Intelligence to China
iOS 27.3 Beta Brings Apple Intelligence to China
1 day ago
iPhone Duo Gets Reachability in iOS 27.3 Beta
iPhone Duo Gets Reachability in iOS 27.3 Beta
1 day ago
Siri AI Gets More Capable in iOS 27.3
Siri AI Gets More Capable in iOS 27.3
1 day ago
iOS 27.3 Adds Vertical Tabs and Adaptive Dark Mode to Safari
iOS 27.3 Adds Vertical Tabs and Adaptive Dark Mode to Safari
1 day ago