Apple CEO Tim Cook introduces the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6sPlus during an Apple media event in San Francisco, Calif., Sept. 9, 2015. (Reuters/Beck Diefenbach)
Apple’s iOS 9 software is already installed on well over 50% of existing devices, according to what Apple revealed in the first weekend after releasing the operating system. The new iOS version brings over a slew of improvements — though it doesn’t necessarily make older devices faster — as Apple focused mainly on performance gains rather than flashy new features.
Even so, there are plenty neat tricks available in iOS 9, including 3D Touch (only on iPhone 6s series), a smarter Siri and improved battery life. But there’s also one awesome feature that can turn out to be a nightmare for users.
READ MORE: Apple announces iPhone 6s sales numbers, beating last year’s record
Called Wi-Fi Assist, the iOS 9 feature is enabled by default and it’s supposed to make sure that you’re getting a decent Wi-Fi experience. That means instantly switching to cellular data when Wi-Fi is spotty. For most users, that isn’t a problem, especially if they’re on large plans, or if they’re not consuming lots and lots of data by streaming video and music.
However, as Quartz explains, Wi-Fi Assist can turn out to be quite a data hog, as the device will continually try to supplement weaker Wi-Fi performance with carrier data.
The new feature can be turned off quickly — and you should do it whenever you’re roaming, or if you have dependable Wi-Fi networks at home and work. To do so, just go to Settings, then Cellular, and scroll down to the bottom to see if Wi-Fi Assist is turned on.
The blog says that the increased data consumption is not a bug, and Apple is aware of the issue — if you can call it an issue. Therefore you’ll have to fix it yourself to avoid unexpected data usage and get back to your regular monthly data consumption.
Get a daily look at what’s developing in science and technology throughout the world.