Apple's latest version for its mobile operating system, iOS 9, included a new featured named Wi-Fi Assist. The feature switches the internet connection of iOS devices to utilize cellular data if the Wi-Fi network that the device is connected to is too slow.
The feature looked to provide a smoother experience to users when carrying out tasks that require a steady connection to the Internet, including browsing the Web, watching videos and playing games. Buffering time would be reduced with the new feature, as the better connection is automatically used by the iOS device.
The Wi-Fi Assist feature, however, recently came under fire due to the possibility that it could lead to drastically higher phone bills. While this would not be a problem for users on unlimited data plans, those on limited data plans may see their free data used up and be charged for excess data. The feature is also automatically turned on upon updating to iOS 9 or purchasing a device powered by the mobile operating system, which could turn out to be a problem for unsuspecting users.
In response to the allegations that Wi-Fi Assist will eat up the data of users, Apple posted a new support page on the feature, explaining how it works and why Wi-Fi Assist will likely not have much of an effect on phone bills.
According to the support page, the feature will not be activated if the user is on data roaming, and that Wi-Fi Assist will only work for apps running in the foreground, not with apps running in the background that are downloading content.
In addition, Wi-Fi Assist will not activate for certain third-party apps for video and audio streaming, as well as for apps that download attachments such as e-mail apps, as this would use up large amounts of data.
"For most users, this should only be a small percentage higher than previous usage," Apple also said, attempting to put to rest claims that the feature will cause phone bills to skyrocket.
However, some users have reported massive jumps in used data since the iOS 9 launch, with one user claiming that he used up 7GB worth of data comparted to the 1GB to 2GB worth of data typically consumed per month.
Users that would like to play it safe can deactivate the feature by going to the Settings menu of the iOS 9 device and accessing the Cellular option. From there, the Wi-Fi assist feature can be switch off.
