Apple is adding a new iOS 19 feature that will automatically detect insecure public Wi-Fi networks and quietly reroute your traffic through iCloud Private Relay for extra protection.

Think of it as iOS whispering don’t trust this behind the scenes, then quietly stepping in to shield your data while you sip overpriced coffee at the airport.

This upgrade is part of Apple’s ongoing push to make iPhone and iPad privacy feel seamless—less like toggling a bunch of settings and more like the OS having your back without asking.

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According to backend code spotted in iOS 19 beta builds, when your device joins a Wi-Fi network with known security issues—like open networks with no encryption—iCloud Private Relay kicks in automatically.

You don’t need to do anything.

This works kind of like a lightweight VPN built right into your iPhone or iPad, but with Apple’s privacy architecture doing the heavy lifting.

iCloud Private Relay encrypts your internet traffic and sends it through two separate internet relays so even Apple can’t see what you’re browsing.

It’s already part of iCloud+, but this new automatic trigger makes the feature feel more responsive, especially in risky environments like cafes, hotels, and airports.

Notably, this won’t apply to all networks.

Apple appears to be using a combination of network trust scores and known vulnerabilities to decide when to activate Private Relay.

If you’re on a trusted Wi-Fi network—like your home setup or your office’s secured connection—nothing changes.

This move fits squarely into Apple’s broader strategy: privacy should be on by default and smart enough to know when it matters most.

It’s another quiet flex from a company that’s increasingly focused on using its control over hardware and software to blur the lines between usability and security.

iOS 19 is still in early beta, but this feature is expected to roll out later this year, likely around the time the iPhone 17 launches.