Apple and AT&T pair up to offer calling via Wi-Fi in the newest iOS 9 beta update.
AT&T has collaborated with the tech giant to offer the capability to call other people using their wireless internet connection in the fifth iOS 9 beta release, known as "public beta 3".
The latest mobile operating system for iDevices is still under development and is set to be released in September, but users can update their gadgets' OS to the insider releases for users to get a feel for the new system and provide feedback to Apple's developers.
The add-on for AT&T iPhone and iPad subscribers will provide users the option of calling through their internet service provider's Wi-Fi service when cell service is unavailable.
This feature shares resemblances to voice over Internet services posted by other companies, such as Facebook's Messenger and its newly acquired WhatsApp, and Microsoft's Skype, though unlike the said services, Apple's version will allow users to phone up their contacts like one would using the phone's cellular service Forbes reported.
Other telecommunications companies, like EE, 3, SmarTone, Sprint and T-Mobile have already acquired the feature back in Apple's iOS 8 releases, and AT&T is still keeping up its assurance to gain the add-on this year. Verizon seems to be next in line for the upgrade, but no official announcements have been made, according to Macworld.
This release also gives new options for all apple users, including the new Wi-Fi Assist, which lets the smartphone or tablet sync up to good hotspots and filter out bad ones.
Features like split screen, improved multitasking, enhanced typing capabilities, battery consumption fixes and a more intelligent Siri are being showcased in the new iOS 9.
The update will be available to devices from the iPhone 4s, iPad 2, 6th Generation iPod Touch and later models.