iOS 10.3 beta enables calls on iCloud-connected devices for Verizon customers
A small but significant addition for Verizon iPhone subscribers in the iOS 10.3 beta is the ability to make and answer calls from any iCloud-connected device, including Macs, iPads, iPods, and the Apple Watch.
![](https://apple.insidercdn.com/gallery/19904-21028-calls-top-l.jpg)
The option, enabled through the "Calls on Other Devices" section of the Phone menu in the iOS Settings app, was highlighted in tips received by AppleInsider as well as MacRumors. Verizon is the last of the four major U.S. carriers to support the technology, which is also offered by some prepaid brands and a few international carriers.
Once the feature is active, users can toggle which devices are able to accept iCloud calls, routed through Wi-Fi. If configured properly the feature will work regardless of whether or not an iPhone is nearby or even on.
The first iOS 10.3 beta was issued to developers yesterday, and makes some other substantial changes including the switch to the Apple File System, the addition of a Find My AirPods app, and a better reviews infrastructure.
Developers, for instance, will be able to respond to user reviews, while customers should eventually see fewer ratings pop-ups or be able to block them entirely.
It's not clear when the finished version of iOS 10.3 will be ready, but as one of Apple's more important point releases, the company will likely seed at least four or five betas before wrapping up.
![](https://apple.insidercdn.com/gallery/19904-21028-calls-top-l.jpg)
The option, enabled through the "Calls on Other Devices" section of the Phone menu in the iOS Settings app, was highlighted in tips received by AppleInsider as well as MacRumors. Verizon is the last of the four major U.S. carriers to support the technology, which is also offered by some prepaid brands and a few international carriers.
Once the feature is active, users can toggle which devices are able to accept iCloud calls, routed through Wi-Fi. If configured properly the feature will work regardless of whether or not an iPhone is nearby or even on.
The first iOS 10.3 beta was issued to developers yesterday, and makes some other substantial changes including the switch to the Apple File System, the addition of a Find My AirPods app, and a better reviews infrastructure.
Developers, for instance, will be able to respond to user reviews, while customers should eventually see fewer ratings pop-ups or be able to block them entirely.
It's not clear when the finished version of iOS 10.3 will be ready, but as one of Apple's more important point releases, the company will likely seed at least four or five betas before wrapping up.
Comments
EDIT: Is this perhaps Apple's way of doing something akin to VolP/Google Voice, but with the partner app built into the OS rather than standalone? I'm not techy so don't really understand the finer points.
My grandson has been making Facetime calls to me (as well as sending text messages) from his WiFi only IPad for years. Yet the IPad is not linked to any cellular carrier or to any ID that is linked to a cellular carrier -- meaning it is strictly WiFi with no connection in anyway to a cellular plan or carrier.