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Explore the networking protocols and technologies used by the device to connect to Wi-Fi networks, Bluetooth devices, and cellular data services.

Networking Documentation

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URL Filter and Content Filter Providers
Hello, I have a few questions regarding URL Filter (iOS 26) and Content Filter Providers. URL Filter According to the WWDC26 video, URL Filter appears to be available for both consumer and enterprise deployments. This seems consistent with the classic Network Extension Provider Deployment documentation (TN3134 – August 2025), where no specific deployment restriction is mentioned. However, a more recent document (Apple Platform Deployment, September 2025) indicates the following for URL Filter: “Requires supervision on iPhone, iPad and Mac” (with a green checkmark). 👉 My question: Is URL Filter actually available for consumer use on non-supervised iPhones (deployed on Testflight and AppStore), or is supervision now required? Content Filter Providers From past experience, I remember that Content Filter Providers were only available on supervised devices. Based on the current documentation, I am questioning their usability in a consumer context, i.e. on non-supervised iPhones. In the Network Extension Provider Deployment documentation, it is stated that this is a Network Extension and that, since iOS 16, it is a “per-app on managed device” restriction. In the more recent Apple Platform Deployment document, it states for iPhone and iPad: “App needs to be installed on the user’s iOS and iPadOS device and deletion can be prevented if the device is supervised.” 👉 My understanding: Supervised device: The Content Filter Provider is installed via a host application that controls enabling/disabling the filter, and the host app can be prevented from being removed thanks to supervision. Non-supervised device: The Content Filter Provider is also installed via a host application that controls enabling/disabling the filter, but the app can be removed by the user, which would remove the filter. 👉 My question: Can Content Filter Providers be used in a consumer context on non-supervised iPhones (deployed on Testflight and AppStore), accepting that the user can uninstall the host app (and therefore remove the filter)? Thank you in advance for your feedback. Sources: TN3134 => TN3134: Network Extension provider deployment | Apple Developer Documentation Apple Platform Deployment / Filter content for Apple devices => https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/deployment/dep1129ff8d2/1/web/1.0
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Jan ’26
iPhone16 cannot to connect to WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode SSID on Wi-Fi 7 AP?
I am experiencing issue - Phone16 cannot to connect to WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode SSID on Wi-Fi 7 AP. While iphone17 do not have this issue. And I have already created ticket - FB20924263. Here are the details below: Product: iOS 26.1, Device Models: iPhone 16 (fails), iPhone 17 (works) Network: Wi-Fi 7 AP, 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz disabled, only 5 GHz enabled Feature Area: WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode connectivity Expected Behavior: Both iPhone 16 and iPhone 17 running iOS 26.1 should successfully connect to a WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode SSID when configured according to the standard. Actual Behavior: iPhone 16 (iOS 26.1) fails to connect to the SSID. iPhone 17 (iOS 26.1) connects successfully under the same conditions. Steps to Reproduce: Configure a Wi-Fi 7 AP: Disable 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz bands, keep only 5 GHz active. Add an SSID using WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode. Attempt to connect with iPhone 16 (iOS 26.1) → fails. Attempt to connect with iPhone 17 (iOS 26.1) → succeeds. Additional Notes: When I disable 11be mode and make the DUT run under 11ax mode, then iPhone16 can also connect to the WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode SSID As I’m a WiFi router developer, then I did one more thing, keep DUT under 11be mode, but do not enable MLO for that SSID (Remove MultiLink relate IE in beacon), then iPhone16 can also connect to the WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode SSID It seems Iphone16 with Broadcom wifi chip solution has some specific policy for MLO + WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode, while iphone17 with apple wifi chip solution do not add such limitation Also test other android devices and not found this issue
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Nov ’25
NWListener fails with -65555: NoAuth since macOS 15.4 onwards
We're seeing an issue with bonjour services since macOS 15.4 onwards, specifically when running xcuitests on simulators that communicate with an app via bonjour services, the NWListener fails with -65555: NoAuth Interestingly it only fails on subsequent iterations of the test, first iteration always succeeds. The same code works fine on macOS 15.3.1 and earlier, but not 15.4 or 15.5. Is this related to, or the same issue as here? https://developer.apple.com/forums/thread/780655 Also raised in feedback assistant: FB17804120
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221
Jun ’25
Network Service Order for IoT Ethernet device
I am making a USB attached IoT device that follows the Matter approach to connectivity (IP/mDNS/DHCP). I am having conflicts with it as it appears to MacOS as an Ethernet adapter and this is causing it to be assigned as a "default" route, interfering with routing when my Mac is connected to NAT based WiFi. I'd like to be able to hint to MacOS & iPadOS that this is not a routable private network, the subnet should be respected and a default route should not be assigned to it, otherwise the order of the device connection is used by the IP routing tables and I am concerned my non-routable private network will initialize before Wifi and block NAT based internet connectivity. How can I hint to MacOS/iPadOS "this is not a routable private network, this is not a NAT, do not assign me a default route beyond the subnet I have provided you."
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117
Apr ’25
Is there any API for real-time Wi-Fi connection monitoring?
We are developing an iOS application with a key feature designed to enhance user safety: real-time assessment of Wi-Fi network security. The "Safe Wi-Fi" feature aims to inform users about the security level of the Wi-Fi network they are currently connected to. Our goal is to provide this information seamlessly and continuously, even when the user isn't actively using the app. Currently, we've implemented this feature using a NWPathMonitor. The limitation of NWPathMonitor is that it doesn't function when the app is in a kill state. We are looking for guidance on how to achieve persistent Wi-Fi security monitoring in the background or when the app is killed. Is there any API (Public, Special API, etc) or a recommended approach that allows for real-time Wi-Fi connection monitoring (including connection changes and network details) even when the app is not actively running or is in a kill state. Thank you in advance for your help.
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153
Jun ’25
Clarification on content filter limitation
I am seeking clarification regarding the capabilities and limitations of deploying content filter profiles, such as web content filters, on unsupervised iOS devices through MDM solutions. Specifically, is per-app content filtering supported on unsupervised devices, or is it restricted to supervised devices only? If such restrictions exist, are there recognized workarounds? Additionally, I would like to understand if there are specific permissions or entitlements that enable apps to perform advanced filtering or monitoring functions on unsupervised devices. Any guidance or references to official documentation would be greatly appreciated.
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73
Aug ’25
Secure data transfer
Hi! We are planning to build an app for a research project that collects sensitive information (such as symptoms, photos and audio). We don't want to store this data locally on the phone or within the app but rather have it securely transferred to a safe SFTP server. Is it possible to implement this i iOS, and if so, does anyone have any recommendations on how to do this?
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Jun ’25
Unable to Find Local Network Devices in Simulator – Permission Issue on M4 Mac, macOS 15.5, Xcode 16.1
Hello, I'm running into an issue while developing an iOS app that requires local network access. I’m using the latest MacBook Air M4 with macOS sequoia 15.5 and Xcode 16.1. In the iOS Simulator, my app fails to discover devices connected to the same local network. I’ve already added the necessary key to the Info.plist: NSLocalNetworkUsageDescription This app needs access to local network devices. When I run the app on a real device and M2 Chip Macbook's simulators, it works fine for local network permission as expected. However, in the M4 Chip Macbook's Simulator: The app can’t find any devices on the local network Bonjour/mDNS seems not to be working as well I’ve tried the following without success: Restarting Simulator and Mac Resetting network settings in Simulator Confirming app permissions under System Settings > Privacy & Security Has anyone else encountered this issue with the new Xcode/macOS combo? Is local network access just broken in the Simulator for now, or is there a workaround? Thanks in advance!
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202
May ’25
Can't find server for API Endpoint that works.
Hi, I am making a AI-Powered app that makes api requests to the openai API. However, for security, I set up a vercel backend that handles the API calls securely, while my frontend makes a call to my vercel-hosted https endpoint. Interestingly, whenever I try to make that call on my device, an iPhone, I get this error: Task <91AE4DE0-2845-4348-89B4-D3DD1CF51B65>.<10> finished with error [-1003] Error Domain=NSURLErrorDomain Code=-1003 "A server with the specified hostname could not be found." UserInfo={_kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=-72000, NSUnderlyingError=0x1435783f0 {Error Domain=kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Code=-1003 "(null)" UserInfo={_kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=10, _kCFStreamErrorCodeKey=-72000, _NSURLErrorNWResolutionReportKey=Resolved 0 endpoints in 3ms using unknown from query, _NSURLErrorNWPathKey=satisfied (Path is satisfied), interface: pdp_ip0[lte], ipv4, ipv6, dns, expensive, uses cell}}, _NSURLErrorFailingURLSessionTaskErrorKey=LocalDataTask <91AE4DE0-2845-4348-89B4-D3DD1CF51B65>.<10>, _NSURLErrorRelatedURLSessionTaskErrorKey=( "LocalDataTask <91AE4DE0-2845-4348-89B4-D3DD1CF51B65>.<10>" ), NSLocalizedDescription=A server with the specified hostname could not be found., NSErrorFailingURLStringKey=https://[my endpoint], NSErrorFailingURLKey=https://[my endpoint], _kCFStreamErrorDomainKey=10} I'm completely stuck because when I directly make https requests to other api's like openai's endpoint, without the proxy, it finds the server completely fine. Running my endpoint on terminal with curl also works as intended, as I see api key usages. But for some reason, on my project, it does not work. I've looked through almost every single post I could find online, but a lot all of the solutions are outdated and unhelpful. I'm willing to schedule a call, meeting, whatever to resolve this issue and get help more in depth as well.
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154
Jun ’25
Intercept local connections with NETransparentProxyProvider
I am trying to intercept localhost connections within NETransparentProxyProvider system extension. As per NENetworkRule documentation If the address is a wildcard address (0.0.0.0 or ::) then the rule will match all destinations except for loopback (127.0.0.1 or ::1). To match loopback traffic set the address to the loopback address. I tried to add NWHostEndpoint *localhostv4 = [NWHostEndpoint endpointWithHostname:@"127.0.0.1" port:@""]; NENetworkRule *localhostv4Rule = [[NENetworkRule alloc] initWithDestinationNetwork:localhostv4 prefix:32 protocol:NENetworkRuleProtocolAny]; in the include network rules. I tried several variations of this rule like port 0, prefix 0 and some others. But the provider disregards the rule and the never receives any traffic going to localhost on any port. Is there any other configuration required to receive localhost traffic in NETransparentProxyProvider?
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165
Jul ’25
iOS Not Sending DHCP Request After Quick WiFi Reconnect
I'm facing an issue where if a WiFi network is turned off and back on within a short time frame (2-4 seconds), iOS still shows the device as connected but does not send a new DHCP request. This causes a problem for my network device, which relies on the DHCP request to assign an IP address. Without the request, the device is unable to establish a socket connection properly. Is there any way to force iOS to send a DHCP request immediately when reconnecting to the network in this scenario? Are there any known workarounds or configurations that might help ensure the DHCP process is re-triggered? Any insights would be appreciated. Thanks!
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231
Mar ’25
Upgrading NEFilterDataProvider Causes System Network Interruption
Hi, when I perform an overlay installation via a PKG on macOS for an application containing the NEFilterDataProvider functionality, there is a chance that the entire system network becomes unreachable. Disabling the corresponding Content Filter in "System Settings > Network > Filters" immediately restores network connectivity. This issue does not occur every time, with a frequency of approximately 1 in 20 installation attempts.  The following details may help identify the problem: The Filter.app containing the NEFilterDataProvider resides within the main app's Resources directory, e.g., /Applications/Main.app/Contents/Resources/Filter.app Main.app is installed via a PKG; the issue typically occurs during an overlay installation of Main.app. The NEFilterDataProvider operates as a System Extension. The func handleNewFlow(_ flow: NEFilterFlow) -> NEFilterNewFlowVerdict {} returns .allow. Wireshark packet captures show TCP packets but no UDP packets; TCP handshakes cannot complete. Disabling the corresponding content filter in "System Settings > Network > Filters" restores the network; re-enabling it breaks connectivity again. After waiting for a period, approximately 30-60 minutes, network connectivity can recover automatically. What causes this and how can it be fixed? Any workarounds?
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151
Oct ’25
Could not delete cookies on IOS18
Hello, I have encountered an issue with an iPhone 15PM with iOS 18.5. The NSHTTPCookieStorage failed to clear cookies, after clearing them, I was still able to retrieve them. However, on the same system NSHTTPCookie *cookie; NSHTTPCookieStorage *storage = [NSHTTPCookieStorage sharedHTTPCookieStorage]; for (cookie in [storage cookies]) { [storage deleteCookie:cookie]; } NSArray *cookies = [[NSHTTPCookieStorage sharedHTTPCookieStorage] cookiesForURL:[[self url] absoluteURL]]; // still able to get cookies,why???
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111
Jun ’25
HTTP Requests via Local Network without Wifi
Hi, I am trying to create an App which connects to a Device via Wifi and then has to do some HTTP Requests. Connecting to the Wifi is working properly but when I try to make an HTTP API Call I get the response that the Domain is unavailable (No Internet Connection). I created the App in Flutter on Android everything works perfectly. The packages are all iOS Compatible. But in Safari the URL works so it is probably a permission Issue. I have the Following permissions granted: NSAppTransportSecurity NSBonjourServices NSLocalNetworkUsageDescription I even have Multicast Networking When I test the App I get asked to grant the access to local Network which I am granting. I don´t know what I should do next can somebody help? Feel free to ask for more Information
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175
Aug ’25
Real-time audio application on locked device
I would like to inquire about the feasibility of developing an iOS application with the following requirements: The app must support real-time audio communication based on UDP. It needs to maintain a TCP signaling connection, even when the device is locked. The app will run only on selected devices within a controlled (closed) environment, such as company-managed iPads or iPhones. Could you please clarify the following: Is it technically possible to maintain an active TCP connection when the device is locked? What are the current iOS restrictions or limitations for background execution, particularly related to networking and audio? Are there any recommended APIs or frameworks (such as VoIP, PushKit, or Background Modes) suitable for this type of application?
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191
Jun ’25
Can NWBrowser be used in an AppIntent extension? NoAuth
I have an iOS app that connects to a server running on macOS by leveraging NWListener & NWBrowser. It also makes use of the peerToPeer functionality / AWDL offered via the Network framework. This works great in the iOS app. Now I would like to add support for Shortcuts / App Intents in general. The NWConnection on its own is also working great in the App Intent, but only if I provide the host/port manually, which means I can't use the peer to peer functionality. If I try to run my NWBrowser in the AppIntent it immediately changes its state to failed with a NoAuth (-65555) error: nw_browser_cancel [B1517] The browser has already been cancelled, ignoring nw_browser_cancel(). nw_browser_fail_on_dns_error_locked [B1518] DNSServiceBrowse failed: NoAuth(-65555) NWClientManager: Browser failed: -65555: NoAuth I haven't found documentation/information on whether NWBrowser should work in an AppIntent extension or not.
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116
Apr ’25
iOS Multiple BSSID Parsing/Inherit Behavior Issue – HS2.0 IE Handling Incorrect (Non‑Tx VAP should not inherit Tx VAP’s HS2.0 Indication)
I am experiencing issue - iphone16/17 can't connect to the non-txvap SSID when the corresponding txvap is passpoint SSID. It may always fail to connect. But when I set the non-passpoint SSID as txvap and passpoint SSID as non-txvap, then iPhone16/17 can connect to the two SSID successfully. iPhone will add “HS20=1” flag for the non-passpoint SSID, then iPhone will ALWAYS not connect that SSID successfully. Please see the log below I captured from the issue iPhone. -[WFNetworkListController _updateViewControllerScanResults]_block_invoke: removing associationCtx network <WFNetworkScanRecord : 0xd34dec8c0 ssid='!wpa3-openwrt-mim6g' bssid='00:03:7f:12:cb:cd' rssi='-80' secured=1 eap=0 mode='WPA3 Personal' modeExt=['WPA3 Personal'] hidden=0 HS20=1 popular=0 known=0 privateAddressState=1> from scan results See detail in FB20923870 Is there anybody else meet this issue?
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45
Nov ’25
Crash heppen when i set to false to the usesClassicLoadingMode in URLSessionConfiguration
when i set the flag false to the usesClassicLoadingMode, then the application is getting crashed Ex: let config = URLSessionConfiguration.default if #available(iOS 18.4, *) { config.usesClassicLoadingMode = false } Crash log : *** Terminating app due to uncaught exception 'NSInvalidArgumentException', reason: '-[__NSCFBoolean objectForKeyedSubscript:]: unrecognized selector sent to instance 0x1f655c390' *** First throw call stack: (0x188ae52ec 0x185f69a7c 0x188b4f67c 0x1889fcb84 0x1889fc4f0 0x191393bc8 0x1889ec8a0 0x1889ec6e4 0x191393ad0 0x191344dac 0x191344b58 0x107cfa064 0x107ce36d0 0x191343fcc 0x1891b3b18 0x1892dae58 0x189235c60 0x18921e270 0x18921d77c 0x18921a8ac 0x107ce0584 0x107cfa064 0x107ce891c 0x107ce95d8 0x107ceabcc 0x107cf5894 0x107cf4eb0 0x212f51660 0x212f4e9f8) terminating due to uncaught exception of type NSException
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154
Apr ’25