Apple’s iOS 27 and iPadOS 27 move the old Wi‑Fi Assist under a new label, Connectivity Assist, tucked inside Settings → Wi‑Fi. The company describes it as using cellular data alongside Wi‑Fi for a more reliable connection. A support document confirms the rename but does not detail any functional changes, leaving most users to wonder if anything in the name has shifted in the name.

On iOS 26 and earlier, Wi‑Fi Assist automatically switched to cellular when signal strength dipped. Early beta testers report that Connectivity Assist now issues an “Intelligent Connectivity” alert and may blend Wi‑Fi and cellular streams in real‑time rather than merely swapping, suggesting a more aggressive hand‑off. Flighty developer Ryan Jones and Reddit commenters have noted the new notification, though Apple has not confirmed the behavior.

Apple says the update delivers “smoother network transitions,” letting the device choose the optimal link for maps, FaceTime or any online task without user intervention during daily use. For consumers, that could mean fewer dropped calls and steadier streaming on the move. iOS 27 thus tightens the integration between Wi‑Fi and cellular, delivering a more seamless online experience.