New iPhone feature may use data without you knowing it

WASHINGTON — A feature of iOS9, Apple’s new iPhone operating system, has the potential to eat up data before the user realizes why or how it is happening.

“It’s a real problem,” says WTOP Tech Guy Gregg Stebben.

The feature is called Wi-Fi Assist, and it’s supposed to help Wi-Fi users keep a stable Internet connection by switching their devices automatically from Wi-Fi to the cellular network whenever the Wi-Fi signal becomes weak.

This may be convenient, but it can easily lead to unexpected expenses.

If the user does not realize the switch from Wi-Fi to network has happened, he will be using data without even knowing it — until he sees his bill.

“A lot of people are already aghast because you realize, ‘the reason I’m using Wi-Fi is so I don’t use my data plan, and all of a sudden you are telling me without even knowing it that Apple is deciding that I should use my data plan,'” Stebben explains.

Stebben recommends turning off Wi-Fi Assist and keeping “very tight control of when and how you use your data plan.”

Users can find the feature by going to Settings, then to Cellular.

Nick Iannelli

Nick Iannelli can be heard covering developing and breaking news stories on WTOP.

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