iOS 9.2 beta 2 brings AT&T Wi-Fi calling to the Mac and other devices - 9 to 5 Mac (press release)

Apple has built support for AT&T's NumberSync technology into iOS 9.2 beta 2, which was released to developers earlier today. Currently Apple's Continuity feature allows users to use their Mac, iPad, or iPod touch to make phone calls as long as the computer (or other iOS device) is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as their iPhone.

The software upgrade will allow users to enable Wi-Fi calling on all of those devices and make and receive calls without the need to be on the same network, or even in the same area.

Below you'll find steps to setup and start using the feature now.

After upgrading to the latest beta software from Apple, AT&T subscribers will be able to start using NumberSync. First, open the Wi-Fi Calling settings page (Settings app > Phone > Wi-Fi Calling) and look for the option that says "Add Wi-Fi Calling For Other Devices."

Tap that button to get started. You'll need to step through a few agreements and acknowledgements, then you'll be informed that the setting has been turned on.

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Now you need to enable this option on your Mac. You should see a FaceTime notification appear instantly on your Mac informing you that it's available. Clicking this banner or opening the FaceTime app will take you to the next part of the process.

You'll be prompted to turn on Wi-Fi Calling by a banner at the top of the window. If you choose to dismiss this banner for now, you can get back to it by opening the FaceTime preferences window and selecting the "Upgrade to Wi-Fi Calling" button.

After selecting either of these options you'll be presented with a code that you need to enter on your iPhone. This is similar to the setup process for SMS Forwarding.

After entering the code, you'll need to confirm that your emergency location is setup correctly. This information will be used when you make a 911 call to provide emergency personnel with your address.

If you need to change this information later, you can access it from the FaceTime preferences window.

Now you're all setup and should be able to start making calls from your Mac when your phone isn't on the same Wi-Fi network. If you want to manage which devices are connected to your account or disable the feature entirely, you can do so in a new settings panel located just below the Wi-Fi Calling option on the Phone settings page.

In our testing, we were able to place and receive calls even when the connected iPhone was in Airplane Mode. This feature should be especially handy in the event of a dead phone battery or a missing handset.

mac – Google News